Can otitis media heal itself?

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

Updated on November 12, 2024

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Some cases of otitis media can recover on their own, mainly depending on the degree of inflammation and the patient's own resistance. If the inflammatory response is mild and the patient’s own resistance is strong, there is a chance for gradual recovery through resistance. However, this situation requires dynamic observation of the changes in the condition. Without treatment, some patients may gradually worsen, and in such cases, timely consideration of medication is necessary. If the inflammatory response is already significant, or if the patient's own resistance is poor, it is generally recommended to promptly perform an otoscopy and cooperate with antibiotics to fight the infection. Generally, the treatment period is about one week.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

59sec

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How to check for otitis media

Otitis media is a common and frequently occurring disease in our department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. It is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear. There are many clinical examination methods, mainly the following: First, we use our forehead mirror to directly visualize the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and tympanic cavity. That's one method. Next, we can examine our middle ear using instruments such as an otoscope or an endoscope, which allow direct observation of the middle ear structure and the tympanic membrane. The third examination focuses on the auditory function in otitis media. We can conduct pure tone audiometry and check acoustic impedance to assess the condition of our hearing function. Additionally, we perform imaging studies, such as a CT scan of the temporal bone or mastoid to observe the condition of our middle ear cavity.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

50sec

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How to relieve pain from acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media commonly leads to pain, and it can also cause feelings of ear blockage, decreased hearing, and secretions in the ear canal. If the pain is significant, it is primarily considered to be caused by acute infection and inflammation. Initial treatment involves timely anti-infection therapy, predominantly with antibiotics, taken orally. If the inflammation is severe, infusion therapy may be necessary, and ear drops can also be considered. If, after anti-infection treatment, the pain still hasn't significantly relieved, painkillers can be considered. Generally, the treatment period is about a week, and regular follow-up checks with an otoscope and maintaining dryness in the outer ear canal are necessary. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

48sec

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Is otitis media easy to treat?

Clinically, otitis media is a common and frequently occurring disease, primarily referring to acute and chronic inflammation of the eardrum, tympanic cavity, and mastoid antrum. Its clinical treatment mainly involves two aspects: surgical treatment and medication. Generally, during the acute phase of the disease, medication is the main treatment, primarily using antibiotics to control the infection. Surgical treatment is mainly aimed at chronic otitis media, secretory otitis media, or cholesteatoma otitis media, involving the removal of lesions and repair of structures. Overall, the treatment for otitis media is generally effective and yields good results. The key is to detect and treat it early without delay.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

1min 5sec

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What ear drops are used for otitis media?

Otitis media primarily refers to the acute and chronic inflammation of our middle ear tympanic membrane, tympanic cavity, and mastoid cavity. Clinically, when ear drops are needed for treatment, it mainly refers to acute otitis media, which is primarily caused by bacterial infection, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, etc., caused by bacterial infection. Therefore, the ear drops mainly used are antibiotic eye drops, such as ofloxacin eye drops, lomefloxacin eye drops, compound polymyxin B ear drops, penicillin, hydrocortisone eye drops, etc. It is important to note that some special ear drops, such as phenol ear drops, can be used when the patient is not in pain. However, if the patient has a tympanic membrane perforation, then phenol ear drops should not be used, as they have the effect of burning the mucous membrane of the middle ear, so they cannot be used. (Note: The above medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 9sec

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Can otitis media heal itself?

Otitis media is difficult to heal on its own because it is caused by an acute bacterial infection that leads to reduced eustachian tube function, resulting in fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity. Patients will experience sudden high fever, with body temperatures above 38.5°C, severe pain in the ear, and symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of ear fullness. Upon examination, the eardrum appears significantly congested and swollen, and a large amount of fluid can be found in the middle ear cavity. In terms of treatment, otitis media initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. Patients can take oral medications such as cefaclor, amoxicillin, and potassium penicillin V tablets. At the same time, the ear should be treated locally with ofloxacin ear drops twice a day, which can reduce local congestion and swelling. During treatment, patients also need to maintain a light diet, avoid vigorously blowing their nose, and prevent water from entering the outer ear canal. Generally, recovery can gradually occur within a week. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)