Can otitis media cause a fever?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Otitis media is a common and frequent disease in the otolaryngology department, mainly involving the head and neck domains. It primarily arises from bacterial infections leading to both acute and chronic forms of otitis media. While chronic otitis media typically shows no apparent symptoms, acute otitis media often manifests clinically with symptoms such as ear pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, and in severe cases, ear discharge. If the symptoms are severe, the patient may also experience systemic symptoms like fever, chills, general discomfort, and reduced appetite. Thus, fever can indeed be a symptom of otitis media, largely related to the extent of the inflammatory infection. If the inflammation is due to a specific bacterial infection, the symptoms may be relatively more severe. Additionally, if the inflammation spreads to adjacent structures, such as cranial structures, the fever may be more pronounced.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can otitis media heal itself?

Some cases of otitis media can recover on their own, mainly depending on the degree of inflammation and the patient's own resistance. If the inflammatory response is mild and the patient’s own resistance is strong, there is a chance for gradual recovery through resistance. However, this situation requires dynamic observation of the changes in the condition. Without treatment, some patients may gradually worsen, and in such cases, timely consideration of medication is necessary. If the inflammatory response is already significant, or if the patient's own resistance is poor, it is generally recommended to promptly perform an otoscopy and cooperate with antibiotics to fight the infection. Generally, the treatment period is about one week.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if otitis media causes a fever?

Otitis media is an acute infectious inflammation of the ear, which can also be chronic. Fever indicates that the otitis media is an acute inflammation, and the presence of fever, indicating an increase in body temperature, suggests that the inflammation is relatively intense and severe. Therefore, it is mainly necessary to provide enhanced anti-infection treatment. Otitis media is primarily a bacterial infection, so the main treatment is the use of cephalosporin antibiotics. Generally, when there is a fever, blood can be drawn to check a complete blood count to see the level of white blood cells, indicating the degree of infection. Clinically, infusion anti-infection treatment is generally provided, mainly using cephalosporin antibiotics. If the pain is significant and the temperature is high, corticosteroids can also be used for combined treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if otitis media is causing pus discharge?

Otitis media refers to various inflammations of the middle ear cavity, primarily bacterial inflammation. These bacteria are mainly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Otorrhea in otitis media indicates relatively severe inflammation and the occurrence of a tympanic membrane perforation, allowing the purulent discharge to be expelled from the ear. In addition to indicating severe inflammation of otitis media, it is necessary to use antibiotics to control the infection. This can include topical antibiotic ear drops like compound polymyxin B ear drops and oral cephalosporin antibiotics, as well as intravenous infusion of cephalosporins to treat the infection.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat otitis media?

Otitis media is a relatively common ENT disease, with various clinical classifications including chronic otitis media, acute otitis media, secretory otitis media, and cholesteatoma-type otitis media. Different types of otitis media require different treatment plans. Some patients may consider oral medication, some may need ear drops for ear bath treatment, some may require tympanocentesis, and others might need surgical treatment. Therefore, after the onset of the condition, it is necessary to visit an ENT department for diagnostic tests such as audiological testing and endoscopic examination of the ear. Some patients may also need a CT scan to determine the specific severity of the condition and tailor the treatment accordingly.

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Written by Li Rui
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How to relieve pain from acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media commonly leads to pain, and it can also cause feelings of ear blockage, decreased hearing, and secretions in the ear canal. If the pain is significant, it is primarily considered to be caused by acute infection and inflammation. Initial treatment involves timely anti-infection therapy, predominantly with antibiotics, taken orally. If the inflammation is severe, infusion therapy may be necessary, and ear drops can also be considered. If, after anti-infection treatment, the pain still hasn't significantly relieved, painkillers can be considered. Generally, the treatment period is about a week, and regular follow-up checks with an otoscope and maintaining dryness in the outer ear canal are necessary. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)