During the cold months, in addition to increasing colds, in winter the risk of suffering from otitis also increases . Although it can appear at any time in life, it is children under seven years of age who suffer the most from this infection. From the Spanish Association of Spanish Pediatrics (AEP) they explain that “between 80 and 90% of children will suffer from some otitis in their first years of life.”
What is otitis?
Otitis is an inflammation that occurs in the ear caused by bacteria or a virus. There are different types, but the most common is called otitis media. Otitis media is the presence of fluid (with or without pus), called exudate, which is the product of an inflammation in the cavity of the middle ear, located just behind the eardrum.
Symptoms of otitis
The most frequent symptoms of otitis are the following:
Diving is a risk factor for hearing damage from pressure changes.
Earache.
Fever.
Tinnitus
Irritability.
Less commonly, otorrhea (suppuration) may occur.
Vertigo.
Facial paralysis (very few cases).
Causes of otitis
The main causes of otitis are a malfunction of the Eustaqui tube , an infection of the upper respiratory tract. It can also occur as a result of allergic problems, called allergic otitis, although bacteria and viruses are generally the cause of ear infection.
Treatment for otitis
The common treatment for otitis is done with taking antibiotics for about 10-15 days . The health professional will indicate an antibiotic treatment, which in most cases significantly improves the otitis in about 48 hours.
