Otitis media

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Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, which is located behind the eardrum. There are two main types of otitis media. In the first, called acute otitis media (AOM), parts of the ear are infected and swollen, and fluid and mucus are trapped inside the ear. AOM can be quite painful. In the second type, called otitis media with effusion (fluid), or OME, fluid and mucus remain trapped within the ear after the infection is over, making it more difficult for the ear to fight off new infections. This fluid may adversely affect hearing.

Treatment

Antibiotics increase cure rate to 73% compared to rate with placebo of 60%.[1]

Antiobiotics may increase relapses.[2]

References

  1. Coker TR, Chan LS, Newberry SJ, Limbos MA, Suttorp MJ, Shekelle PG et al. (2010). "Diagnosis, microbial epidemiology, and antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a systematic review.". JAMA 304 (19): 2161-9. DOI:10.1001/jama.2010.1651. PMID 21081729. Research Blogging.
  2. Recurrence up to 3.5 years after antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in very young Dutch children: survey of trial participants.. PMID 19567910