Otitis Media in Children


Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. Young children are more susceptible to this infection due to the anatomical structure of their ear tubes (Eustachian tubes), which are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for germs to reach the middle ear.

Otitis media is common after a cold or throat infection when bacteria or viruses spread to the ear. The child complains of ear pain or pulling at the ear and difficulty in hearing. Untreated infection can lead to hearing problems or recurrent ear infections.

What are the causes of Otitis Media in children?


Otitis media in children often follows a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection when bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear. The main causes are as follows:
  • Bacterial infections like Streptococcus Otitis Media e, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
  • Viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, or adenovirus, can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the ear.
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction where it is shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for germs and fluid to enter and get trapped.
  • Upper respiratory tract infections such as sinus infections can cause swelling and blockage of the Eustachian tube, leading to fluid accumulation and infection.
  • Allergic reactions can cause nasal congestion and fluid buildup in the middle ear.
  • Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, or bottle-feeding while lying down can increase the risk.
  • Children with low immunity are more prone to ear infections.

Otitis media can lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear, due to immature Eustachian tubes.

What are the symptoms of Otitis Media in children?


The symptoms of otitis media vary based on the child’s age and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:
  • Ear pain (otalgia) due to which children may pull or rub their ears due to discomfort.
  • Mild to high fever following an infection.
  • Infants and toddlers keep crying as they cannot express ear pain.
  • Fluid buildup in the middle ear can cause temporary hearing loss.
  • Pus or fluid may drain from the ear if the eardrum ruptures.
  • The ear pain may worsen when lying down so the child has trouble sleeping.
  • Sucking or swallowing may increase ear pressure and cause discomfort so the child cannot eat properly or stop breastfeeding.
  • Ear infection affects the ear’s balance system in some cases.

In children with otitis media early medical care helps prevent complications and restore hearing.

How is Otitis Media Diagnosed in children?


Otitis media is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and ear inspection such as:-
  • Medical history: The doctor collects information about symptoms such as ear pain, fever, irritability, hearing problems, or recent colds or throat infections.
  • Physical examination: The child’s overall health and signs of infection like fever or nasal congestion are checked.

Otoscopy – ear examination:


With the help of an otoscope, a lighted instrument, the doctor will take a look inside the ear to notice the following symptoms:-
  • Redness or bulging of the eardrum
  • Fluid or pus behind the eardrum
  • Perforation (hole) in the eardrum in severe cases

  • Pneumatic otoscopy: A small puff of air is used to see if the eardrum moves normally. Lack of movement suggests fluid buildup in the middle ear.
  • Tympanometry: A test that measures eardrum movement to confirm the presence of fluid or pressure changes.
  • Hearing tests: May be done if hearing loss is suspected.

Otitis media in children is diagnosed mainly by otoscopic examination along with the child’s symptoms and medical history.

What are the treatments for Otitis Media in children?


The treatment of otitis media depends on the severity, age and the cause of infection in the child. With proper medical care and comfort measures the child shows improvement. Below is the list of treatments:-
  • Observation:
    Mild infection clears up on its own within a few days.
    It is recommended to wait for 24–48 hours before prescribing antibiotics, especially in children over 2 years of age with mild symptoms.
  • Pain relief:
    Pain relief medications can help reduce ear pain and fever.
    To soothe the pain a warm compress on the affected ear is recommended.
  • Antibiotics:
    After 2–3 days also if the symptoms persist or if the child is under 2 years old.
    Please complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.
  • Ear drops:
    Can help with pain relief or and to reduce ear discharge.
  • Drainage or surgery:
    In recurrent or chronic cases where the fluid persists for months, the doctor may recommend the following surgeries:-
    • Myringotomy: A small cut in the eardrum to drain fluid.
    • Ear tubes (grommets): Tiny tubes inserted to ventilate the middle ear and prevent future infections.

For expert pediatric care and Otitis Media treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and Otitis Media treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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