Otitis Media

A recent report has revealed that more than 7 out of 10 children will have at least one case of middle ear disease (otitis media) by their first birthday.

Clinical Professor Harvey Coates, University of Western Australia and ear, nose and throat surgeon at the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children said that the findings were real cause for concern due to the sheer number of children affected by otitis media. 

Otitis media is the general term for a range of middle ear diseases. Many parents whose children have otitis media may just call it ‘glue ear’ or an ‘ear infection’.  Acute otitis media is commonly associated with the rapid onset of symptoms, such as fever and ear pain.

Professor Coates says, ‘Ways to improve this situation is to focus on earlier diagnosis of otitis media and referral to a specialist'. 

Doctors and parents alike should consider referral to a specialist if a child has experienced more than three middle ear infections within six months.  This report has shown that it doesn’t pay to delay attention to this condition.

‘I think we’re also seeing a mini-epidemic of otitis media among children in day care facilities, where there is more opportunity for otitis media to spread. It’s important that parents are vigilant about the possibility of middle ear disease in their child with the rapid onset of symptoms, such as fever and ear pain.’

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Always consult your doctor if you or your child is suffering any medical complaint. Any websites referred to by Australian Family contain information moderated by government and medical institutions or organisations.

This article was first published in Australian Family Magazine, October 2008. Updated July 2009.