DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Acute Otitis Media

LOW SEVERITY

Middle ear infection, most common in children due to eustachian tube anatomy. Caused by bacteria or viruses. Characterized by ear pain, fever, and possible hearing loss. Major reason for pediatric antibiotic use.

Global Affected

70.0M

Countries

20

Symptoms

Ear pain
Tugging/pulling at ear (infants)
Fever
Irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Hearing loss
Fluid drainage from ear
Loss of appetite
Balance problems

Treatment Options

Pain relievers
Antibiotics (if indicated)
Ear drops (with tubes)
Watchful waiting
Tympanostomy tubes (recurrent)
Adenoidectomy (if enlarged)

Risk Factors

1Age (6 months - 2 years)
2Daycare attendance
3Bottle feeding while lying down
4Season (winter/spring)
5Exposure to tobacco smoke
6Family history
7Cleft palate
8Immune deficiencies

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Otoscopic examination
  • 2Pneumatic otoscopy
  • 3Tympanometry
  • 4Acoustic reflectometry
  • 5Hearing test
  • 6Tympanocentesis (severe/complicated)

Prognosis

Excellent. Most resolve spontaneously or with antibiotics. Hearing usually returns to normal. Rare complications (mastoiditis, meningitis, hearing loss). Recurrent infections may need tubes.

Prevention

  • Breastfeeding
  • Pneumococcal vaccination
  • Flu vaccination
  • Avoid secondhand smoke
  • Hand washing
  • Limit pacifier use after 6 months
  • Avoid bottle propping

Research Status

Watchful waiting appropriate for mild cases. Antibiotics for severe cases or high-risk patients. Pneumococcal vaccine has reduced incidence. Tympanostomy tubes for recurrent infections. Research on vaccine development ongoing.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoIndiaChinaRussiaSwedenNetherlandsNorwayFinlandDenmarkIreland

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/ear-infection.html
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.