Middle Ear Infections in Children
Ear Nose Throat Diseases
While cold weather creates the groundwork for many illnesses, especially in winter, middle ear infection is one of the most significant health concerns. The disease, which can come with fever, hearing problems, and ear discharge, can be controlled with early diagnosis, treatment, and regular follow-up.
If you often fall ill during the winter...
Middle ear infection, known as otitis media, occurs in the space between the eardrum and the inner ear wall, which is responsible for sound transmission. The disease appears as either acute or chronic middle ear infection. During the fall and winter months, there is an increase in middle ear infections because individuals are more prone to conditions like the common cold, flu, and sinusitis. Infections in these illnesses disrupt the functioning of the Eustachian tube and contribute to microbial transmission, increasing the risk and frequency of middle ear infections.
Pay attention to these symptoms!
- High fever
- Severe pain
- Temporary hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- If the eardrum has perforated, there may be discharge
- More common in children
Exchange of air, fluid, and microbes between the middle ear and throat occurs through the Eustachian tube, which opens into the throat. Since this organ is more horizontally positioned in children than in adults, microbial transmission to the middle ear is easier in children, while the reverse passage is more challenging. Additionally, upper respiratory tract infections and allergic conditions are more common in children compared to adults. Enlarged adenoids are also typically found in children. Therefore, middle ear infections are more common in children. Adenoids, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and frequent upper respiratory tract infections are among the factors that increase the risk of middle ear infections in children.
Avoid smoking environments
Untreated middle ear infections can lead to serious problems. Complications may include collapsing or adhesive changes in the eardrum, perforation of the eardrum, erosion of the ossicular chain responsible for hearing, permanent hearing loss, persistent inflammatory discharges, facial paralysis, balance disorders, dizziness, meningitis, and brain abscess development. In preventing the development of such complications, regular follow-up is essential in addition to medication during treatment. Allergies, chronic sinusitis, avoiding smoking, preventing children from being passive smokers, staying away from air pollution, and treating reflux are crucial for protecting against middle ear infections.
Timely treatment is crucial
In cases of middle ear infections that occur more than 3-4 times a year or do not respond to treatment despite all efforts for three months, underlying causes should be identified. In cases of frequent or non-responsive middle ear infections, surgical intervention is recommended rather than drug treatment. These interventions may include microscopic small incisions in the eardrum for drainage (myringotomy), placing tubes in the eardrum, and adenoid surgery. Delaying treatment in the initial stages of the disease can lead to a worsening clinical course, and severe surgeries aimed at maintaining the patient's life rather than hearing may be required.