Understanding otitis media

TSMH | Pediatric Series | Understanding otitis media | date：2023-01/01

What is otitis media?

The most common complication in children with upper respiratory infections. Symptoms usually last no more than 3 weeks. The incidence of this condition increases in infants after 6 months of age and persists until early school age. After 7 years of age, the incidence decreases each year with increasing age.

Clinical manifestations:

Usually occur a few days after a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms include fever, ear pain, and poor expression ability in infants and young children, who may show signs of shaking their head, restlessness, or constantly pulling their ears, and even have discharge flowing out.

Care measures:

• It is recommended to have a hearing test every 6 months to prevent hearing damage caused by otitis media.
• When feeding, try to keep the child in a semi-reclining or upright position.
• Teach methods to increase inflation of the middle ear
  such as blowing up balloons, blowing bubbles, or chewing gum for younger children; for older children, using the Valsalva maneuver, which involves closing the mouth, pinching the nose, and exhaling forcefully towards the cheeks, can help gas flow through the eustachian tube.
• Advise children not to blow their nose too hard.
• Avoid exposure to infectious agents, such as going to public places or inhaling second-hand smoke, to reduce the risk of otitis media.
• Swimming and diving activities should be temporarily suspended, as water in the ear may promote bacterial growth.