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Otitis media is a viral or bacterial infection of the middle ear. It can occur at any age, but most commonly occurs in young children.

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Otitis media occurs when viral or bacterial pathogens spread into the middle ear, most commonly from the throat during a cold. The middle ear is connected to the throat by the eustachian tube by which the pathogens spread.

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Things that put someone at risk for otitis media 

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Things that put someone at risk for otitis media 

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Age: 6 months-2 years

Family history of otitis media

Frequent colds

Cystic fibrosis

Asthma

Native American, Hispanic or Alaskan Native ethnicity

Poor air quality

Smoke exposure

Enlarged adenoids

Trauma to the ear structures

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Feeling of fullness or pain in the ear

Red, inflamed ear canal and tympanic membrane

Bulging tympanic membrane

Fluid and/or bubbles behind tympanic membrane

Fever

Decreased hearing

Hearing loss can occur

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Sometimes otitis media is treated with antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected. Other times, if symptoms are mild and bacterial infection is not suspected, observation at home and analgesics may be prescribed. If symptoms persist after a few days, the patient should see their doctor for further treatment. Analgesics commonly used are acetaminophen and ibuprofen.