Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor. While there are different types of ear infections, the most common is called otitis media, which means an inflammation and infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is located just behind the eardrum.
The term "acute" refers to a short and painful episode. An ear infection that lasts a long time or comes and goes is called chronic otitis media.
For links to other types of ear infections, see otitis.
For each ear, a eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid that is normally made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. When this happens, germs such as bacteria and viruses can multiply and cause an infection.
Ear infections are common in infants and children, in part because the eustachian tubes become easily clogged. Anything that causes the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked causes more fluids to build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. These causes include:
Ear infections are also more likely if a child spends a lot of time drinking from a sippy cup or bottle while lying on his or her back. Contrary to popular opinion, getting water in the ears will not cause an acute ear infection, unless the eardrum has a hole from a previous episode.
Labyrinthitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder that involves irritation and swelling of the inner ear. See also: Meniere's diseaseReviewer: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. 9/11/08Date: 09/27/2008
Strep throat (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/14/2009
Sinusitis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that occurs with a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. See also: Chronic sinusitisReviewer: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/21/2009
Nasal polyps (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Nasal polyps are sac-like growths of inflamed tissue lining the nose (nasal mucosa) or sinuses. See also: SinusitisReviewer: Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/09/2009
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