The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Acute Otitis Media (Pediatric)

Acute middle ear infection in children

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Otitis Media (Pediatric)?

Acute otitis media (AOM) is sudden-onset infectious inflammation of the middle ear. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are the main bacterial pathogens.

In children, the short, horizontal and soft Eustachian tube structure facilitates bacterial passage between the nasopharynx and middle ear. Therefore AOM peaks between 6 months and 2 years of age.

Recurrent AOM (3 episodes in 6 months or 4 in 12 months) increases the risk of hearing loss, speech development delay and chronic otitis.

Symptoms

Sudden-onset severe ear pain
High fever (38°C or above)
Ear fullness and decreased hearing
In infants, ear pulling and irritability
Sleep disturbance and loss of appetite
Sudden relief of pain and discharge with eardrum perforation

Risk Factors

Growing up in a daycare or crowded environment
Bottle feeding in horizontal position
Passive smoking exposure
Pacifier use
Lack of pneumococcal and influenza vaccination
Family history of recurrent otitis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Ear pain or fever in a child under two years of age
  • If discharge develops from the ear
  • Swelling or redness in the mastoid region (behind the ear)
  • Facial paralysis findings
  • If pain or fever does not subside within 48-72 hours

Treatment Methods

01
Amoxicillin in cases under two years and severe cases
02
Pain control: ibuprofen or paracetamol
03
Watchful waiting strategy in mild cases over two years (48-72 hours)
04
Ventilation tube (grommet) in recurrent AOM
05
Adenoidectomy evaluation (in frequently recurrent cases)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.