By Pure Matters What is otitis media? Otitis media is infection
or inflammation located in the middle ear. About 75 percent of
children have at least one episode of otitis media by the time
they are three years of age. Nearly half of these children have
three or more infections by the time they are age three. Otitis
media can also affect adults, although it is primarily a disease
that occurs most often in children. What causes otitis media?
Inflammation usually begins when infections due to sore throats,
colds, or other respiratory problems, spread to the middle ear.
What are the symptoms of otitis media? The following are the
most common symptoms of otitis media. However, individuals may
experience symptoms differently. Common signs of otitis media in
children include: - unusual irritability - difficulty sleeping
or staying asleep - tugging or pulling at one or both ears -
fluid draining from ear(s) - loss of balance - hearing
difficulties The symptoms of otitis media may resemble other
conditions or medical