Otitis media (middle ear infection)
About Otitis media (middle ear infection)
Infection of the middle ear (infection behind the ear drum). This infection causes infected fluid (pus) to collect in the middle ear. The middle ear contains the small bones of the ear. Otitis media is the most common cause of earaches. It is usually caused by bacteria, but it can start after a virus or allergy cause the ears and sinuses to be congested. Most infections heal on their own without antibiotics, as long as the infected fluid finds a path by which it can drain. In most cases, the middle ear drains through the eustachian tube, to the back of the nose. Occasionally, an ear infection drains through a hole that forms in the ear drum (perforated or ruptured ear drum).Symptoms
Ear pain, fullness in the ear, feeling of general illness, vomiting, diarrhea, hearing loss in the affected ear, room spinning, dizziness. Infants may display increased fussiness, poor feeding, fever, crying.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Direct examination of the ear will demonstrate redness of the ear drum and fluid behind the ear drum.OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
- Morphine Oral
- Tramadol
- Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene
- Fentanyl Buccal (Transmucosal)
- Acetaminophen and Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl Transdermal
- Hydromorphone Oral and Rectal
- Meperidine
- Oxycodone
- Cefuroxime
- Cefaclor
- Cephalexin
- Trimethoprim
- Amoxicillin
- Cefixime
- Clarithromycin
- Azithromycin
- Cefdinir
- Cefprozil
- Ceftibuten
- Cefpodoxime
- Antipyrine-Benzocaine Otic
Conventional treatment summary
Most ear infections will clear up on their own without antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescribed for persistent symptoms. Pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are administered for pain. A tube to drain the middle ear may be placed for severe or recurrent infections.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) · Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Otitis media (middle ear infection).