Causes of Otitis media

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Otitis media is usually caused by the common cold. The infection spreads from the nose or throat through the Eustachian tube, a passage between the throat and the middle ear.

Any fluids in the ear usually run out through the nose, via the Eustachian tube. If this tube gets blocked it can lead to otitis media. Enlarged adenoids or tonsils, which are at the back of the throat, may block the Eustachian tube. Adenoids and tonsils may be removed if they cause chronic otitis media (this is more common in children than adults).

Children who have glue ear and whose ears get filled with mucus for periods of several weeks, are more likely to get an ear infection.

Chronic otitis media is also caused if there is a permanent hole (perforation) in the eardrum, or a growth of tissue inside the middle ear, called a cholesteatoma.

A perforated eardrum may get infected if water enters a childâ€™s ear during bathing or swimming.

Otitis media may also be caused by childhood illnesses such as measles. The childâ€™s immune system is weakened due to their illness, and they find it hard to fight the infection when bacteria get into the middle ear. This is called a secondary infection.

Sometimes there is no apparent reason for the infection.