A bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear, usually
secondary to an upper respiratory infection. Middle ear
infection is one of the most common early childhood diseases and
is often the result of Eustachian tube problems. Normally the
Eustachian tube is closed and flat, preventing organisms from
the pharyngeal cavity from entering the middle ear. It will open
to allow drainage of secretions produced by the middle ear
mucosa and to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the
outside environment. If the drainage is impaired, the normal
secretions are retained causing any air in the tube to be
reabsorbed and the production of a negative pressure within the
middle ear. If the tube opens, the negative pressure will result
in bacteria being swept into the middle ear and quickly
proliferate. As purulent fluid accumulates in the middle ear
there will be increasing discomfort. Infants will become
irritable and indicate discomfort by holding or pulling their
ears, or rolling their heads from side to side. Yo