Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness that affects the middle ear. It is a type of ear infection that causes pain and discomfort, which can be distressing for both children and their parents.

This article is a guide to understanding AOM in children and babies, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is Acute Otitis Media?

AOM is an infection in the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum that contains small bones that help the ear to hear.

AOM happens when bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear through the eustachian tube, a small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. The eustachian tube helps to regulate the pressure in the middle ear and drain any fluid or mucus that might build up there.

When the eustachian tube becomes blocked, it can trap bacteria or viruses in the middle ear, leading to infection and inflammation.

Causes of Acute Otitis Media

The most common cause of AOM is a bacterial infection of the middle ear.

The bacteria that cause AOM are usually the same ones that cause sore throats and sinus infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Viruses can also cause AOM, especially respiratory viruses like the common cold or flu.

Symptoms of Acute Otitis Media

The symptoms of AOM can vary depending on the age of the child and the severity of the infection. In babies and young children, the signs of AOM might include:.

Pulling or tugging at the ear
Crying or fussiness, especially during feeding or lying down
Fever
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of appetite
Fluid draining from the ear
Difficulty hearing or responding to sounds

In older children, the symptoms of AOM might include:.

Ear pain, especially when lying down
Fluid draining from the ear
Reduced hearing or muffled sounds
Fever
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis of Acute Otitis Media

If you suspect that your child has AOM, you should take them to see a doctor. The doctor will examine your child’s ear with an otoscope, a special instrument with a light and magnifying lens that allows the doctor to see inside the ear.

The doctor will look for signs of inflammation, fluid, or pus in the middle ear. Sometimes, the doctor might use a pneumatic otoscope to check for how well the eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure. This test can help determine if there is fluid in the middle ear.

Treatment of Acute Otitis Media

The treatment for AOM depends on the age of the child, the severity of the infection, and other factors. Mild cases of AOM might not need any treatment other than pain relief.

Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever and relieve ear pain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any medication to your child.

If the AOM is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can help shorten the duration of the infection and prevent complications like a ruptured eardrum.

Your child should complete the full course of antibiotics, even if they start feeling better before the medication is finished.

In more severe cases of AOM or if your child has recurrent ear infections, the doctor might recommend other treatments like ear tubes.

Ear tubes are tiny cylinders that are inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid from the middle ear and prevent future infections.

Prevention of Acute Otitis Media

There are several steps you can take to help prevent AOM in your child:.

Keep your child up to date on vaccines. Vaccines like the pneumococcal and flu vaccines can help protect against the bacteria and viruses that cause AOM.
Wash your hands frequently and encourage your child to do the same.
Keep your child away from sick people and crowds.
Do not put your child to bed with a bottle.
Avoid exposing your child to secondhand smoke.
Consider breastfeeding your baby, as breast milk can help boost their immune system and reduce the risk of ear infections.

Conclusion

Acute otitis media is a common childhood illness that can be distressing for both children and their parents. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most cases of AOM can be successfully treated without complications.

By taking steps to prevent AOM, you can help keep your child healthy and comfortable.