Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Otitis media is inflammation of the space behind the eardrum called the middle ear. This infection may be caused by bacteria or a virus. Otitis media may also be caused by the presence of uninfected fluid. If there is redness of the ear drum there may be an infection present – this is called acute otitis media. Often acute otitis media is treated by antibiotics to kill the bacteria. If there is fluid behind the drum without any redness or infection - this is called otitis media with effusion. Effusion is another word for fluid. In this case, the fluid does not cause ear pain and typically goes away on its own. Antibiotics do not work.