Fast Facts About Otitis Media

Inflammation or infection of the middle ear is known as Otitis Media. The most common cause for Otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection in the throat or respiratory system which spreads to the middle ear. Though Otitis media is primarily found in infants and young children, it can also affect adults.

Almost seventy five percent of children experience at least one bout of Otitis media by the age of three years.
The main symptoms are ear ache, pus or fluid in the ear canal and inflammation of the ear drum. Many times there may not be any symptoms at all- especially in infants, so one should look out for excessive crying, tugging ears, inability to hear properly and troubles with speaking.
Recurrent otitis media or severe otitis media with effusion may lead to hearing loss.
The standard protocol for treating Otitis media is a course of antibiotics; however, homeopathic medicines have also shown promising benefits in treating ear infections.
Otitis media caused due to food allergy is probably one of the most important and most overlooked factors.

Dietary Management For Otitis Media

Garlic is a known anti bacterial food, and anecdotal usage of garlic oil applied as drops in the ear has been shown to relieve pain.
Eliminating common food allergens such as milk and dairy, eggs, wheat, corn and peanuts may lead to a significant improvement in symptoms, though the foods to be eliminated vary from individual to individual.
Sugar is known to decrease the functioning of the immune system, thus concentrated sugar foods such as candies, cakes and sweets maybe problematic for young children with recurrent otitis media.
For children still being breast fed, the mothers are encouraged to continue breast feeding and avoid the above mentioned allergens in their diet.
Vitamin C aids immune health by helping the white blood cells to destroy germs faster. Vitamins A and Zinc have also demonstrated a reduction in ear infections due to their antioxidant properties.

However, do consult your local health practitioner before taking any supplements, as excess Vitamins A and Zinc can prove to be toxic for children.
A diet rich in dark colored fruits and vegetables, leafy greens and plenty of water will provide sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals to help strengthen the immune system and help in the healing of infections.

Otitis media:

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear. This inflammation usually occurs between the inner ear and the tympanic membrane and sometimes in the Eustachian tube. This is often the cause of an inner ear ache. Other infections of the ear which cause ear ache are shingles which cause herpes zoster oticus. This is a very painful problem but is not of any serious consequence and heals in a month or so.

Serous otitis media:

Serous otitis media is a fluid collection in the middle ear. This problem could be either acute or chronic. Upper respiratory problems or allergies are the cause of acute serous otitis media which may cause a blockage of the Eustachian tube. If there is a bacterial infection this fluid could get infected and cause an abscess in the middle ear. If the problem is chronic then the hearing gets affected especially if it is a persistent problem.

Otitis media treatment:

Otitis media treatment is usually focused on the cause of the problem which is often an allergy or an infection of the upper respiratory system. The course of treatment is usually antihistamines or antibiotics and decongestants. However, if there is an abscess formation then minor surgery may be required to incise this and remove the pus. Antibiotics are required to treat chronic Otitis media too.

Otitis media symptoms:

Otitis media symptoms are an ear ache which occurs along with infection of the upper respiratory system, a cough, running nose and fever. Pain could be severe if there is pus in the middle ear which could also temporarily affect the hearing. If this causes the ear drum to rupture the pus would drain out into the canal of the ear. However, the ear drum rupture heals with medication.

Acute otitis media:

Acute otitis media can cause several discomforts like ear ache, head ache, tinnitus, deafness and discomfort while lying down. In extreme cases there could be a fluid leak from the ear and eardrum rupture too. A single occurrence of this problem may not cause any serious damage but constant attacks could cause other complications like otitis externa which is an inflammation of the outer ear. This could spread to the skull and affect the bone cells and the brain and cause meningitis.

Otitis media diet ear:

Certain types of food control can help to prevent Otitis media diet ear. Eliminating foods which cause allergies like peanuts, oranges, corn, wheat, eggs and dairy products could help this condition and prevent further episodes. Sources of concentrated sugars should also be avoided.

Otitis media foods

Eating foods which improve the immune system are the recommended otitis media food. Fresh fruits and vegetables, foods which are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals and a balanced diet will help in almost curing this problem and stop it from recurring. Honey and a variety of fruits should be added to the diet instead of sugary foods and dairy products.

Infection of the middle ear must not be taken lightly and a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Submitted on January 16, 2014