Middle ear infection, or otitis media, is the infection of the middle part of the ear behind the ear drum. It is almost always associated with ear ache. The treatment plan depends on the type and the severity of symptoms and how long the symptoms have lasted. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a wait and see policy for the first 72 hours especially, if the child is older than 6 months and is otherwise healthy.
Natural Remedies
Although natural remedies cannot cure middle ear infections, they can provide relief from the ear ache in some mild cases. Chewing gum and putting a few drops of hot olive oil in the ear have been known to help. Simple techniques like sleeping in semi-upright position, cleaning the ear regularly and pressing a hot bag of salt against the ear can also make a difference.
"The New York Times Health Guide" recommends a simple technique called Valsalva's maneuver that involves forcible exhalation while keeping the mouth and nose closed. This can open certain passages in the middle ear, thereby, providing relief from the stuffy feeling that accompanies otitis media.
Analgesics
Analgesics, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help relieve ear pain. These are usually available in drug stores without any prescription. Ear drops containing glycerine, benzocaine or antipyrine can also provide relief from ear pain.
However, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns against the use of aspirin in children under the age of 18, due to the risk of developing a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal disease that effects the liver and brain. It is best to consult a doctor before using any pain medication, and especially in young children.
Antibiotics
According to the National Institute of Health, many doctors avoid prescribing antibiotics for every ear infection. This is because many middle ear infections are caused by viruses and antibiotics are ineffective against them. Antibiotics are only recommended if the patient is under two years of age or is not improving within 24 to 48 hours.
Amoxicillin or amoxyclavulinic acid are the most common antibiotics used to treat middle ear infections. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, erythromycin or trimethoprim/sulfomethoxazole is prescribed for 10 days. Second or third generation cephalosporins and macrolides are used occasionally.
Surgery
If the middle ear infection and the ear ache persist for more than three months and is associated with a loss of hearing, myringotomy is recommended by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
During this operation, the surgeon makes a small opening in the child's eardrum and inserts a small metal or plastic tube into the opening. This tube maintains the air pressure in the middle ear and it comes out spontaneously after 6 to 12 months. Hearing should be fully restored once the fluid is removed.
Tympanocentesis is the drainage of fluid from the middle ear by using a small-gauge needle to puncture the eardrum, thereby clearing the infection.
