Otitis media suppurativa is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of the middle ear with the presence of pus or fluid accumulation. It is a severe form of otitis media, which refers to inflammation of the middle ear.
The middle ear is an air-filled space located behind the eardrum, and it contains tiny vibrating bones that transmit sound waves to the inner ear. Otitis media suppurativa commonly occurs as a result of an infection, usually bacterial, that spreads from the upper respiratory tract through the Eustachian tube, a narrow passageway connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.
Symptoms of otitis media suppurativa include severe ear pain, fever, fluid drainage from the ear, impaired hearing, and possible loss of balance. If left untreated, it may lead to complications such as mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or damage to the eardrum.
The diagnosis of otitis media suppurativa is typically made by a healthcare professional through a physical examination, evaluation of symptoms, and careful examination of the ear using an otoscope or similar instrument. Treatment usually involves the prescription of antibiotics to fight the underlying bacterial infection and relieve inflammation. In severe cases, a surgical procedure, known as a myringotomy, may be performed to drain the accumulated pus or fluid and alleviate pressure.
Overall, otitis media suppurativa is a serious middle ear infection that requires prompt medical attention and treatment to prevent complications and restore normal ear function.
