Otitis Media--The Pharyngeal Connection

Article Abstract:

Doctors should avoid surgery for otitis media unless other measures have failed. Otitis media is an infection of the ear. It is common in young children. It is usually caused by an upper respiratory tract infection that spreads to the ear. Removing the adenoids can be helpful because it removes a focus of infection in the throat. A 1999 study found that adenoidectomy alone or combined with tonsillectomy was effective in reducing the incidence of recurring otitis media. However, the benefit was small and the risk of surgical complications relatively large. Antibiotics and a tympanostomy tube should be used before surgery is considered.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Adenoidectomy, Tonsillectomy

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Evidence of bacterial metabolic activity in culture-negative otitis media with effusion

Article Abstract:

Some chronic middle ear infections may contain viable bacteria not detectable by bacterial cultures. Otitis media with effusion is a middle ear infection with fluid collection that brings many children to the doctor and can cause hearing and speech disorders. Researchers used genetic amplification to look for evidence of bacterial metabolic activity in 93 effusions collected during middle ear surgery in children. Bacterial RNA was detected, but cultures were negative, in 31.2% of effusions. Most effusions are sterile, but bacterial cultures may miss live organisms in some cases.

Measurement, Testing, Causes of, Microbial metabolism, Polymerase chain reaction, Otitis media with effusion, Hemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus influenzae

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Susceptibility to Otitis Media: Strong Evidence That Genetics Plays a Role

Article Abstract:

There is substantial evidence that there is a genetic component to otitis media. Otitis media is the name for the ear infections that most children get. A 1999 study of twins found that identical twins were much more likely than fraternal twins to get otitis media frequently and the infection would last the same amount of time in both twins. Many people are not seriously affected by communicable diseases whereas others are. As far as otitis media is concerned, potential genes include those controlling the anatomy of the middle ear as well as local and general immunity.

Genetic aspects

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