Otitis media is an inflammation and/or infection of the middle ear.
Acute otitis media (acute ear infection) occurs when there is
bacterial or viral infection of the fluid of the middle ear, which
causes production of fluid or pus. Chronic otitis media occurs when
the eustachian tube becomes blocked repeatedly due to allergies,
multiple infections, ear trauma, or swelling of the adenoids.
Review Date: 04/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
