Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, which can be either acute or chronic. Children are most commonly affected by acute otitis media because it is caused by colds and blocked Eustachian tubes – both typical ailments of childhood. The infectious agent can be either viral or bacterial, with research suggesting that viruses are responsible for most cases.

Sometimes the eardrum will burst, leading to pus in the ear canal, but usually the eardrum will heal up again by itself. Treatment options include:

• pain-relieving medications

• antibiotics – if the infection is bacterial in origin

• eardrops – if there is pus in the ear canal.

Frequent bouts of acute otitis media or one lingering attack can lead to chronic otitis media. Without medical intervention, the chronic infection can burst the eardrum or damage the delicate structures within the middle ear.

Other possible complications of untreated chronic otitis media include meningitis, infection of the balance organs within the ear (labyrinthitis), sensorineural deafness (permanent hearing loss) and paralysis of the face.

Treatment options include:

• thorough cleaning of the ear and use of topical antibiotic drops (with or without steroids)

• medication to treat the infection

• surgical repair of the perforated eardrum

• prevention strategies to reduce the risk of another infection.