CA
A 29-year-old male asked:
what is the definition or description of: middle ear infection?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Harold Kim answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 28 years experience
Middle ear pus: The area behind the ear drum is called the middle ear. It can be filled with mucus type fluid, thin serum like fluid, or pus. A middle ear infection occurs when the middle ear is filled with pus and the ear drum is also very inflamed, thickened, and red.
5234 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
What causes middle ear infection?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Olds answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 32 years experience
Bacterial and viral : Ear infections are more common in children due to their anatomy and predisposition for upper respiratory infections. When the eustachian tube fails to maintain a neutral pressure relative to the outside world, the middle ear can accumulate fluid, siphon bacteria from the upper respiratory tract into the middle ear and an infection results. Eustachian tube swelling is often initiated with a virus.
6196 views
CA
A 25-year-old member asked:
What sort of problem is a middle ear infection?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Frederick Shieh answered
Specializes in Gastroenterology
Infection: An ear infection is when bacteria or viral bugs get into the spaces of your ear causing swelling and infection. This can affect hearing or cause pain.
6040 views
A 37-year-old member asked:
What is the treatment for middle ear infection?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Levine answered
Pediatrics 34 years experience
Antibiotics: The usual treatment for middle ear infections--those with ear pain and findings on exam--is Amoxicillin as first choice. For those who have failed this medication (or took it within 3 months), there are second line choices, such as augmentin, (amoxicillin and clavulanate) Cefdinir or ceftriaxone. There is also the option of watchful waiting in the older child.
5818 views
A 36-year-old member asked:
What are the treatments for a middle ear infection?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Alfredo Garcia answered
Pediatrics 56 years experience
Ear infection: Treatment for middle ear infection (otitis media) will depend on age. Adults may not take antibiotics if the earache disappears in a few days. Children less than 5 years old usually need antibiotics, especially younger than 2 years old. Over 5 years, treat the same as adults. Analgesic ear drops or oral equivalents can be used to ease the pain.
5724 views
A 44-year-old member asked:
How long should middle ear infection last?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bernstein Joel answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 60 years experience
Etiology: Almost all middle ear infections result from a viral infection in the back of the nose. This, in turn causes swelling of the tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear space. The virus should be eliminated in about 7 to 10 days. However, at your age of 44, a bacterial superinfection may require an antibiotic and may last for many weeks. See an ENT doc for evaluation.
5706 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Aug 22, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.