Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Otitis media - chronic

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Middle ear infection
Middle ear infection
Ear tube insertion  - series
Ear tube insertion - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Middle ear infection - chronic; Ear infection - chronic; Chronic otitis media; Chronic ear infection

Definition    Return to top

Chronic otitis media is inflammation or infection of the middle ear that persists or keeps coming back.

See also: Acute otitis media

Causes    Return to top

Chronic otitis media is present when fluid behind the eardrum does not go away. It occurs when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked repeatedly (or remains blocked for long periods) due to allergies, multiple infections, ear trauma, or swelling of the adenoids. The Eustachian tube is the passage from the back of the nose to the middle ear.

When the middle ear is actually infected with bacteria (or occasionally, viruses) rather than just inflamed, it is more serious. A chronic ear infection may be the result of an acute ear infection that does not clear completely, or the result of recurrent ear infections. The infection may spread into the mastoid bone behind the ear (mastoiditis), or fluid build-up may cause pressure that ruptures the eardrum or damages the bones of the middle ear.

"Suppurative chronic otitis" is a phrase doctors use to describe an eardrum that keeps rupturing or draining or inflammation in the middle ear or mastoid area that does not go away.

A chronic ear infection may be more destructive than an acute ear infection because its effects are prolonged or repeated, and it may cause permanent damage to the ear. However, a chronic, long-term infection may show less severe symptoms, so the infection may remain unnoticed and untreated for a long time.

Ear infections are more common in children because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than in adults. Chronic ear infections are much less common than acute ear infections.

Symptoms    Return to top

Note: Symptoms may be continuous or intermittent, and may occur in one or both ears.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

An examination of the ear may show dullness, redness, air bubbles, or fluid behind the eardrum. The eardrum may show drainage or perforation (a hole in the eardrum). The eardrum may bulge out or retract inward.

Cultures of drainage may show bacteria. These bacteria may be resistant or harder to treat than the bacteria commonly involved in acute ear infection.

Skull x-rays or a CT scan of the head or mastoids may show spreading of the infection beyond the middle ear.

Hearing tests may be needed.

Treatment    Return to top

Antibiotics may be prescribed if the doctor thinks the infection is due to bacteria. Antibiotics may need to be taken for a long time, either by mouth or in the form of antibiotic ear drops if there is a hole in the eardrum.

Surgery to remove the adenoids may be needed to allow the Eustachian tube to work properly. The surgeon may make an opening in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain. This is called a myringotomy. The procedure may or may not involve placing tubes in the ear.

Surgery to repair a ruptured eardrum may prevent further chronic ear infections.

Keep the ears clean and dry to prevent reinfection. This is particularly important if myringotomy has been performed.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Chronic otitis media usually responds to treatment, but your child may need to continue taking medicines for several months. Such ear infections are not life threatening but can be uncomfortable and may result in hearing loss and other serious complications.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Most children will have temporary and minor hearing loss during and right after an ear infection, because fluid can linger in the ear. Although this fluid can go unnoticed, it can cause significant hearing problems in children. Any fluid in the ear that lasts longer than 8-12 weeks is cause for concern. In children, hearing problems may cause speech to develop slowly.

Permanent hearing loss is rare, but the risk increases with the number and length of infections.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child has signs of chronic otitis media, including an episode of acute otitis media that does not respond to treatment.

Call your health care provider if chronic otitis media does not respond to treatment, or if new symptoms develop during or after treatment.

Prevention    Return to top

Prompt treatment of acute ear infections may reduce the risk of development of chronic otitis media. Follow-up examination after treatment of an ear infection will ensure that it is completely cured.

Update Date: 4/22/2008

Updated by: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.