Otitis media typically follows an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. After a few days of a stuffy or runny nose the ears can become affected. The mucous membrane lining the middle ear becomes inflamed and the Eustachian tube closes up. A blocked Eustachian tube affects the air circulation in the middle ear causing a build up of negative pressure in the middle ear. This sets up a vacuum and in some cases if the vacuum does not resolve the inflamed mucous membrane begins to secrete fluid.

Types of Otitis media

Acute otitis media (AOM)
When the term “ear infection” is used it usually refers to acute otitis media. AOM is characterized by the rapid onset and relatively short duration. AOM is generally viral in nature but can also be bacterial (acute bacterial otitis media).

Serous otitis media (SOM) or Otitis media with effusion (OME)
SOM typically follows an episode of AOM. The build up of fluid that is secreted from the inflamed mucous membrane can be temporary with no signs of infection. Serous otitis media is a common childhood condition that is often known as “glue ear”.

Chronic otitis media with effusion
Occasionally serous otitis media can become chronic (present for 6 weeks or longer). Although there is no infection present, the fluid remains in the middle ear for prolonged period of time or returns repeatedly. The longer the fluid remains in the middle ear the more viscous the fluid becomes.

• Part 1: When the ear has the sniffles: Otitis media
• Part 2: Children are particularly affected
• Part 3: Be attentive to a runny nose and prevent otitis media