Otitis Media (ear infection)
In simple terms, otitis media is an ear infection. It is
inflammation of the inner ear, often caused by moisture which
gets collected in the ear or by minor injury to the ear canal.
The moisture often collects after swimming or bathing. Often
allergies cause liquid to build up in the ear. Injuries often
occur with hard impact with water or careless or intense use of
cotton swabs. Discomfort, bacterial growth, or infection
generally results.
Behind the eardrums is located the section of the ear called the
middle ear, which houses a complex arrangement of tiny bones
sensitive to sound waves. When sound waves pass over the middle
ear, it transmits the sound to the inner ear. Nearby, the
Eustachian tube connects the ear to the nose.
Otitis media may result from foreign matter breathed in through
the nose, which irritates the Eustachian tube to the point of
swelling and liquid from the ears can no longer drain through
the nose and into the throat. In children, the Eustachian tube
is shorter and less slanted, allowing bacteria to more easily
arrive in the middle ear.
In trying to identify otitis media, it is helpful to be aware of
the following symptoms:
Pus or fluid in the Eustachian tube or in the ear
Sensation of fullness in the ear
Pain in the ear
Inflammation in the ear
Fever
Hearing loss
Dizziness
Coughing and a runny nose are often associated with upper
respiratory infections and should be monitored. Otitis media is
most commonly found in children, persons with allergies, and
persons with medical conditions such as a cleft palate.
Children are by far the leading demographic of individuals
affected by otitis media. Research shows otitis media to rank
second to the common cold as the most common health problem
among preschoolers. The fact that at least 50% of all children
have at least one episode of otitis media before the age of one
is startling at the very least. But before the age three, 35% of
children will have had repeat episodes. And after three-years
old, an estimated 5 million school days are missed each year due
to otitis media.
Prevention is easy. Most of us remember to wash our hands
frequently to avoid picking up bacteria from what we touch.
However, most of us fail to remember to wash or flush out our
nasal passages at least every now and then to avoid harboring
bacteria from what we breathe.
Look for xylitol as leading ingredient as you are searching for
nasal rinse or spray. Xylitol naturally keeps bacteria from
settling on the membranes of the nose, the throat, and the
Eustachian tube. Flushing with a nasal wash with xylitol, is a
simple yet important solution to a flourishing health epidemic.