Otitis media is the most common illness among children who see otolaryngology. It is said that about 60% of children by the age of 1 and about 80% by the age of 3 will have at least one time. If you take it lightly because it is a common illness, you may repeat it over and over again or it may become severe. In this issue, we will introduce appropriate treatment for otitis media and care that can be done at home.What kind of disease is otitis media?Otitis media is a disease in which the "middle ear" behind the eardrum causes inflammation. Without proper treatment, it may progress to "acute otitis media" or "serous otitis media", or it may become "recurrent otitis media" that repeats recurrence. You can also do ... In severe cases, surgery to cut the eardrum may be used for treatment.Causes of otitis mediaOtitis media is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the back of the nose due to a cold, etc., and the spread of infection from the eustachian tube to the middle ear. Even if bacteria enter from the outside of the ear, it does not cause otitis media. It does not happen even if water from the pool or bath enters. Bacteria that have increased due to a cold or allergic rhinitis flow back from the back of the nose to the ears, causing otitis media.Symptoms of otitis mediaSuddenly one ear hurts. My ears are sensitive and very painful. However, the pain often subsides in about an hour. Infants may frequently mess with their ears and shake their heads. You may have a sudden fever. Especially in the case of otitis media, fever often occurs from evening to night. It often develops 3 to 7 days after the onset of a cold in the nose or throat.Why are children susceptible to otitis media?Unlike adults, children have two characteristics: the "eustachian tube" that connects the nose / mouth and ears is thick and short, and the slope from ear to throat is gentle, so bacteria and viruses can easily invade and cause otitis media. It's easy to become. In addition, the resistance of the whole body and the resistance of the mucous membranes of the throat and nose are immature, so it is easy to catch a cold, and as a result, it is easy to develop otitis media.Treatment of acute otitis mediaAcute otitis media can be completely cured in most cases with follow-up and, in some cases, appropriate treatment. However, if treatment is stopped prematurely, it may lead to serous otitis media, recurrent otitis media, and chronic otitis media. It is important to receive proper treatment and follow-up until it is completely healed.6 Ways to Prevent Otitis MediaOtitis media is very difficult to get. If possible, I would like to take preventive measures before I have a hard time. So what should I do? Here are six typical preventive methods.1. I'll suck a runny nose at homeMost children's otitis media is caused by a runny nose. A runny nose contains a large amount of germs and viruses. Take good care of your runny nose, especially if you have recurrent relapses or have recurrent otitis media.2. Inoculate pediatric pneumococcal vaccineThe cause of otitis media is "pneumococcal". It is said that otitis media caused by this bacterium can be prevented by taking a pediatric pneumonia vaccine.3. Drink milk with the baby's head uprightBreastfeeding with a baby bottle can cause "otitis media". This is because the posture becomes horizontal during breastfeeding, and milk flows into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing inflammation. As much as possible, you can prevent it by breastfeeding with your head raised or by burping after breastfeeding.4. Avoid cigarette smokeCigarette smoke contains hydrocyanic acid gas. Children are susceptible to this hydrocyanic acid gas, which can cause otitis media. Therefore, it is said that children in families with smokers often have otitis media. Keep children away from cigarette smoke.5. Do not use the pacifier for a long timeChildren who use pacifiers even after 12 months of age are said to be more susceptible to otitis media. By continuing to pacify, you will feel negative pressure in the space of your throat and nose, which will have an adverse effect on your eustachian tubes. If you have repeated or prolonged otitis media, stop using the pacifier.6. Eliminate allergens related to the environmentAllergens such as dust can cause stuffy nose. It causes swelling and blocks the Eustachian tube. Clean the room where your baby sleeps.