A chronic middle ear infection lasts a long time. Symptoms are
usually harder to notice than those seen with an acute ear
infection. Acute ear infections last a shorter time but symptoms
are usually worse.
In a chronic ear infection, fluid (effusion) is usually
trapped in the middle ear.
Chronic middle ear infections are more serious than middle ear
infections. Symptoms could cause permanent damage.
What causes a chronic middle ear
infection?
A chronic middle ear infection is caused when bacteria or
viruses that get in the nose or throat reach the middle ear
through the Eustachian tube (a small tube in the ear).
Allergies, colds, or swelling and scarring from other ear
infections can block the tube.
If the tube is blocked, fluid can't drain from the ear.
When fluid is in the ear, it's easier for the ear to get
infected again.
Who can get chronic middle ear
infections?
Children who have had other ear infections or a cold are more
likely to get a chronic infection.
Children are more likely than adults to get ear
infections.
Ear infections are most common in the winter and early
spring.
Children are more likely to get ear infections if they go to
daycare, use a pacifier, have allergies, take a bottle to bed, or
are around people who smoke.
Boys are more likely than girls to get an ear infection.
What are the symptoms of a chronic middle ear
infection? Symptoms are less severe than an acute ear infection. They may
last a long time but be hard to notice. They can affect one or both
ears.
Fluid in the middle ear makes it hard to hear.
The ear may ache or feel plugged.
Children who are too young to tell you how they feel may pull
or rub their ear.
Pus may drain from the ear.
Are chronic middle ear infections
contagious?
No. Chronic middle ear infections are not contagious.
How are chronic middle ear infections
treated? Fluid may drain without treatment in a few months. If not, your
child needs to see a doctor. The following things usually take
place:
The doctor will look in your child's ears to check for redness
and fluid.
The doctor may take tests to help decide if there is an ear
infection.
The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to kill the infection
and medicine to help with your child's cold, allergies, pain, or
fever.
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, Panadol, or
Tempra) can be used to help pain and fever.
Do not use aspirin.
Make a follow-up appointment with the doctor to make sure the
ear infection is gone.
Treatment may last months. The doctor might recommend an
operation to help prevent future infections.
In the operation, a small opening would be made in the eardrum
to help drain fluid.
How long does a chronic middle ear infection
last?
Fluid may stay in the middle ear for weeks or months.
Hearing will get better as the fluid drains.
Children can play outside while they have the infection.
Can chronic middle ear infections be
prevented?
Treat an acute ear infection as soon as possible so it is less
likely to become a chronic infection.
Go back to the doctor after treatment to make sure the
infection is gone.
Young children should not lie down with bottles or have
bottles propped up. Holding children up as they are fed helps
prevent infection.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if you think your child has an ear
infection.
Call the doctor if your child gets new symptoms or symptoms
get worse.
Call the doctor if your child has a rash or diarrhea with the
ear infection.
Earaches could also be due to tooth problems, an ear canal
injury (from a cotton swab), earwax, or something stuck in the
ear. Call the doctor if your child has one of these problems.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your
child's illness.
Quick Answers
A chronic middle ear infection is a long-lasting infection in
the middle ear.
It is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fluid in the middle
ear.
Children who have had other ear infections or a cold are more
likely get a chronic infection.
The infection may make it hard to hear or make the ears feel
plugged.
Chronic middle ear infections are not contagious.
Fluid may drain without treatment. If not, your child needs to
see a doctor.
Treatment may last months.
To help prevent chronic middle ear infections, treat middle
ear infections as soon as possible, take all of the medicine, and
follow-up to make sure the infection is gone.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your
child's illness.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. Ear Infections. 2001
July (cited 2001 September 17). Available from: URL:
http://www.familydoctor.org/handouts/684.html
American Academy of Family Physicians. Ear Infection: What is
Otitis Media with Effusion? 2000 (cited 2001 September 17).
Available from: URL:
http://www.familydoctor.org/handouts/330.html
Casano, PJ M.D. Earache & Otitis Media. American Academy
of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery Public Service Brochure.
1995 (cited 2001 July 27). Available from: URL:
http://www.sinuscarecenter.com/om aao.html
The Children's Hospital, Boston. Middle Ear Infection (Otitis
Media). 1989 August (cited 2001 July 27). Available from: URL:
http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Peds/Infectious?otitis/OtitisMedia1.html
MedlinePlus. Otitis Media- Chronic. 2001 May 16 (cited 2001
September 17). Available from: URL:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000619.htm
Rutherford Kim M.D. Acute Otitis Media. KidsHealth. 2001 June
(cited 2001 July 27); Available from: URL:
http://www.kidshealth.org/pageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id+article_set=22743
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