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.
Ear infections are common in infants and children in part because their eustachian tubes become clogged easily. For each ear, a eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its purpose is to drain fluid and bacteria that normally occurs in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up and become infected.
Anything that causes the eustachian tubes and upper airways to become inflamed or irritated, or cause more fluids to be produced, can lead to a blocked eustachian tube. These 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.
Ear infections occur most frequently in the winter. An ear infection is not itself contagious, but a cold may spread among children and cause some of them to get ear infections.
Labyrinthitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder that involves irritation and swelling of the inner ear.Bacterial labyrinthitis; Serous labyrinthitis; Neuronitis- vestibular; Vestibular neuronitis; Viral neurolabyrinthitis; Vestibular neuritis.The are likely many...Reviewer: 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.Pharyngitis- streptococcal; Streptococcal pharyngitis.Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although ...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.Acute sinusitis; Sinus infection; Sinusitis- acute; Sinusitis- chronic; Rhinosinusitis.The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull(behind t...Reviewer: 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 small, sac-like growths made up of inflamed tissue lining the nose(nasal mucosa).Nasal polyps start near the ethmoid sinuses(located at the top of the inside of the nose) and grow into the open areas. Large polyps may block the ai...Reviewer: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 01/30/2008
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