What is Chronic otitis media and how you can protect against it

Can you feel a bulge or a swelling behind the ears? It might be chronic otitis media or ear infection. Infections occur in the space behind the eardrum triggered by bacteria or viruses. It is not wise to ignore or overlook early signs as they can result in hearing problems and other severe effects because of fluid buildup behind the eardrum.

Our ears are divided into three parts: inner, middle ear and outer ear. It is the middle ear that is more prone to chronic otitis media out of all. This is because it consists of the tympanic membrane or the eardrum, and delicate bones like the hammer (ossicles), anvil (incus) and stirrup (stapes), which aid in hearing.

Complications of chronic ear infections include:

• Permanent damage to the ear
• Cholesteatoma (growth in the middle ear skin)
• Mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone)
• Meningitis and epidural abscess (inflammation and infection in the brain region)
• Facial paralysis

Symptoms

• Watch out for these early signs of ear infection Symptoms to avoid complications:
• Ear pain and discomfort
• Pus-like discharge from the ear
• Hearing loss

How is the infection caused?

Acute otitis media is a condition wherein the middle ear becomes infected with bacteria and viruses, leading to ear pain, discomfort and swelling of the canal

. When the eustachian tube gets affected by repeated or multiple infections, it leads to blockage, severe ear trauma, or swelling of adenoids. This results in chronic otitis media. Chronic otitis media is more harmful than the acute stage and can be aggravated by spreading to the mastoid bone behind the ear (mastoiditis). In addition, pressure from buildup may rupture eardrums or lead to earbone damage.

Risk-factor

Chronic otitis media can be the result of high-risk factors such as

• Age: Infants and young children from 6 months to 2 years are more prone to infection.
• Family History: Hereditary factors have also been linked to acute ear infections.
• Cough and cold: Inflammation of the nose and ear canals can lead to infection.
• Allergies: Inflammation of adenoids, eustachian tube, nasal passages, and upper respiratory can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing pressure, pain and possible infection.
• Chronic illnesses: Patients with long-term illnesses, such as asthma, immune deficiency, cystic fibrosis, etc., are more likely to develop ear infections.

Treatment

Removal of the bone behind the ear would be necessary to repair the ear drum. Research suggests that it has a 90% success rate. Otendoscopy, non-invasive laser surgery, involves using small angled cameras to allow the surgeon to remove diseased portions.

When to see a doctor

If you have been experiencing ear pain and discomfort which does not go away despite medication, it is time to seek an expert medical second opinion. SeekMed is an online medical consultation platform which allows you to connect with India’s top doctors, such as Mohan Kameshwaran, ENT specialist. Simply search for the ‘best ENT doctor near me’, and you will be redirected to Mohan Kameshwaran ENT specialist who can help you confirm the diagnosis, explore affordable treatment options and get advice on necessary measures to prevent complications. So, go ahead and make informed health decisions with SeekMed.