What are middle-ear infections?
Middle-ear infections, known clinically as otitis media, occur when bacteria or a virus invade the air space of the middle ear (the part of the ear containing three tiny bones – the hammer, anvil and stirrup) and cause inflammation and buildup of fluid behind the eardrum. Middle-ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses. What causes a middle-ear infection? The cause depends on the type of otitis media. The most common, acute otitis media (AOM), results from a cold, nose or throat infection, or an allergy. Typically, as part of the initial illness, the child’s eustachian tubes (the tiny ducts that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat) become swollen, causing fluid to pool in the middle ear. The trapped fluid then becomes infected by a virus or bacteria. As pus accumulates in the middle ear, the increased pressure on the eardrum causes an earache. Also common among children is otitis media with effusion (OME). This is when the infection is cured (
Related Questions
- Dear Sir, Is it compulsorily required to have a DEDICATED CLEAN AND SOILED SERVICE ELEVATORS, or there are safer ways to transport the Medical Wards Infectious Waste through the Common Elevator. Asif Zaib Facility Management and Safety Coordinator
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