OTITIS MEDIA

acute or chronic inflammation of the middle ear. The inflammation may be due to allergic disease of the middle ear or to infection with a virus or with bacteria. Allergic otitis media, if not complicated by bacterial invasion, usually subsides after elimination of the substance to which the person is allergic. Viral meningitis is usually an extension of common cold virus to the ear and usually subsides with disappearance of the cold. Acute bacterial otitis media causes earache, fever, and suppuration (discharge of pus). Treatment includes administration of antibiotics. Chronic otitis media may be relatively benign and respond to local medical treatment, or it may invade the bone and require surgical treatment. See also mastoiditis.