Otitis literally means inflammation of the ear. Otitis media is actually the inflammation of the middle portion of the ear. This inflammation doesn’t only remain in the ear. It also affects throat and the nose, since all three are connected.
This inflammation that begins in the ear slowly spreads to the throat causing congestion. It causes sore throat, chest congestion and may also cause many other respiratory problems. This infection can be caused by both viruses and bacteria.
The infection can be acute or chronic depending on the extent of it’s the effect on the ear. The acute otitis media is usually characterized with a rapid onset, in which fluid accumulates in the mid portion of the ear. The onset is of a very short duration, in which the ear drum swells up and causes sharp pain and continuing discomfort. The ear drum could also become perforated if the infection is severe. The portion of the ear drum becomes filled with pus and this causes fever.
In a chronic case, otitis media is characterized by a persistent inflammation. This could stretch for about a month. The fluid might remain behind the ear drum for several months before draining out. This could develop because of stress or negative pressure around the ear drum. It often starts without any fever. However, it causes an ongoing damage to the affected area. The pressure persists for several months and causes discomfort. There could also be a loss of hearing.
The discomfort is usually caused because of the effect that the infection has on the Eustachian tube. The lining of the tube is damaged by the bacteria or the viruses causing the formation of a thick layer of mucus. The mucus causes the tube to get completely clogged. Since the Eustachian tube maintains the pressure on both sides of the ear drum, the infection causes the ear to feel blocked. The tube connects the nose to the ear and this is why the nose gets affected too when the Eustachian tube is infected.
There are many over-the-counter medications available to remedy this condition. These medicines are available in the form of nasal sprays, drops and oral pills. Nasal steroids or oral antihistamines are also usually prescribed for treating this condition.
While these medicines can help unclog the ear and free it of the pus and accumulated fluids, heat therapy should be used at home to relieve the pain and ease the flowing out of the fluid.
It is recommended that you lie down on a heating pad for several hours. After you get plenty of heat, insert a small cotton ball into your ear so that the dissolved mucus can be taken out. The mucus will come flowing right out into the cotton ball.