Not only children, adults can also get an acute middle ear infection. Read what symptoms are typical for them.
A middle ear infection (otitis media) is almost always the result of an acute respiratory infection. Children are mostly affected. However, adults can also become ill – with similar symptoms. In children, however, certain symptoms are often more pronounced or they develop other symptoms that adults usually do not have.
The most characteristic symptom of a middle ear infection are earache – in both children and adults.
The pain usually only occurs in one ear and feels stabbing or throbbing. However, unlike adults, young children often find it difficult to express whether something is hurting them and, if so, what. They may frequently touch the affected ear or shake their head.
Other possible symptoms of an acute middle ear infection are:
- Fever
- hearing problems
- Feeling sick, exhaustion
- irritability
- dizziness
These symptoms are particularly related to otitis media in children. Symptoms may vary slightly in adults. For example, children with a middle ear infection sometimes have a high fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius – in adults, on the other hand, the body temperature is often only slightly elevated or normal. So while fever combined with earache is typical of an otitis media in children, it can be absent in adults as well. Unlike adults, children with otitis media occasionally vomit. They may also cry more often.
Anyone who suspects that they have a middle ear infection should seek medical advice – for example in an ENT practice. The family doctor can also be a point of contact.
Know more: This is how a middle ear infection develops
The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx via a connecting passage. This is called the auditory tube or eustachian tube. It ensures that the middle ear is ventilated and pressure differences are equalized.
When viruses and/or bacteria rise from the nasopharynx into the auditory tube and middle ear, they can cause inflammation. The mucous membranes located there swell and also release more fluid (secretion). The swelling prevents the fluid from draining into the nasopharynx. It builds up, increasing the pressure on the middle ear. This manifests itself in ear pain and hearing problems.
