An ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, is an infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum, known as the middle ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Ear infections (otitis media) happen when bacteria infect fluid that’s trapped behind your child’s eardrum.
It can cause unpleasant symptoms, like ear pain that may cause your child to be especially fussy or irritable. Acute otitis media (AOM) is an acute, suppurative infectious process marked by the presence of infected middle ear fluid and inflammation of the mucosa lining the middle ear space (picture 1). Detailed information on otitis media, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common infectious disease encountered by children under the age of two years and the most common cause of antibiotic use in children in the United States.
otitis media supportive therapy, Middle-ear infections, also called otitis media, can occur when congestion from an allergy or cold blocks the eustachian tube. Fluid and pressure build up, so bacteria or viruses that have traveled up the eustachian tube into the middle ear can multiply and cause an ear infection. Ear infections (otitis media) happen when a virus or bacteria infect the space behind the eardrum. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.