What should I do if otitis media causes a fever?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 02, 2024
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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can otitis media heal itself?

Otitis media is difficult to heal on its own because it is caused by an acute bacterial infection that leads to reduced eustachian tube function, resulting in fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity. Patients will experience sudden high fever, with body temperatures above 38.5°C, severe pain in the ear, and symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of ear fullness. Upon examination, the eardrum appears significantly congested and swollen, and a large amount of fluid can be found in the middle ear cavity. In terms of treatment, otitis media initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. Patients can take oral medications such as cefaclor, amoxicillin, and potassium penicillin V tablets. At the same time, the ear should be treated locally with ofloxacin ear drops twice a day, which can reduce local congestion and swelling. During treatment, patients also need to maintain a light diet, avoid vigorously blowing their nose, and prevent water from entering the outer ear canal. Generally, recovery can gradually occur within a week. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does otitis media require hospitalization?

Otitis media refers to the acute or chronic inflammatory disease of our middle ear, mainly caused by bacterial infection. For otitis media, whether it is acute or chronic, hospitalization is rarely considered. The vast majority of treatments do not require hospitalization; treatment typically involves outpatient anti-infection therapy. However, if complications arise in otitis media, such as tympanic membrane perforation, disruption of the ossicular chain in the middle ear, granulation in the mastoid cavity, or cholesteatoma, then hospitalization and surgical treatment are considered. The purpose of surgery is mainly to repair structures and clear pathological tissues. In summary, for otitis media, hospitalization for surgical treatment is considered only when necessary; otherwise, inpatient treatment is not required for medical treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can otitis media be cured?

Otitis media is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinical practice. It is divided into acute otitis media and chronic otitis media, as well as another type known as cholesteatoma otitis media, or middle ear cholesteatoma. Currently, the main treatment for acute otitis media involves anti-infection therapies. For chronic otitis media or middle ear cholesteatoma, the treatment primarily involves surgical methods to remove pathological tissue within the ear and to repair structural damage. Generally speaking, otitis media is treatable. However, some cases of otitis media, due to frequent acute flare-ups, prolonged infiltration, and accompanying structural pathologies, can be relatively tricky to treat. But this does not mean that otitis media cannot be treated or cured.

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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 Li Rui
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What should I do if I have inflammation of otitis media?

Otitis media is a relatively common ENT disease. After the onset, it is necessary to visit an ENT department, where routine blood tests and otoscopic examinations can be conducted to determine the extent and type of inflammation. Most patients may consider conservative medical treatment, commonly using oral medications and ear drops. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are required to observe the effects of the treatment. However, for some patients with severe conditions where conservative medical treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention may be considered. Post-surgery, regular follow-ups are also needed to monitor the recovery. Overall, with timely treatment, the condition can be well-controlled. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)