Will otitis media in children heal on its own?

Otitis media, also known as middle ear infection, is a common disease among children. If a baby suffers from otitis media, it poses a great threat to the baby's ear health. In severe cases, it may even affect the baby's normal hearing. Therefore, if a baby is found to have otitis media, he must be treated in time. Even for some chronic otitis media that can heal on their own, parents should not take it lightly. It is better to take the children to the hospital for examination.

1. What is otitis media?

Middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an inflammatory disease that affects all or part of the structure of the middle ear (including the Eustachian tube, tympanic cavity, tympanic sinus and mastoid air cells), and is more common in children. It can be divided into two categories: non-purulent and purulent.

Ear inflammation often occurs due to a cold or other respiratory infection. Almost all children will have at least one ear infection by the age of 7. Most otitis media are caused by bacteria. However, viruses can also cause inflammation of the middle ear. Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus are the two main viruses that cause otitis media.

2. Can antibiotics be used for treatment?

Antibiotics are effective for most otitis media caused by bacteria. But antibiotics cannot treat otitis media caused by viruses. Regardless of what's causing the inflammation, most children over 2 years old don't need to be treated with antibiotics. Up to 80% of ear infections will get better on their own, but 20% will not and will require medical treatment.

Doctors usually recommend antibiotics if your child:

(1) Infants under two years of age, because infection at this age with awaiting observation and treatment is very dangerous. When babies are learning to talk, normal hearing is very important. Children with infections in both ears or high fever.

(2) Patients with severe infection, for example: your child may be dehydrated.

(3) People with other health problems, such as cleft lip or repeated infections, may make ear infections more serious.

(4) Children with cochlear implants and these assistive hearing devices are at higher risk of serious infections.

3. How to care for children with otitis media at home?

Whether you use antibiotics or wait for the otitis media to go away on its own, you can help relieve your child's pain at home.

(1) You can give your child painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Please read and follow the instructions before use. If you are an infant or young child, please take the medicine under the guidance of a doctor. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 years old. Aspirin can induce Reye's syndrome (a group of serious syndromes that mostly occur in people aged 6 months to 15 years).

(2) Place a small warm towel over your ear.

(3) You can play some casual games to help your child.

(4) If your child's doctor prescribes ear drops, give them to your child.