Otitis media 

Otitis media is a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which is the space between the eardrum and the inner ear.

Usually, the middle ear is filled with air, but sometimes it gets filled with fluid or mucus, for example during a cold. If the mucus gets infected with bacteria it causes an ear infection.

Acute and chronic otitis media

Acute otitis media is a short-term ear infection that often comes on suddenly.

Chronic otitis media is a middle ear infection that lasts for a long time or keeps coming back. As the symptoms are often less severe than those of an acute infection, the infection may go unnoticed and untreated for a long time. This may cause more damage than an acute infection.

Otitis media with effusion (OME), also known as glue ear, is common in young children. It is caused by a build-up of fluid in the middle ear with no symptoms or signs of infection. Otitis media with effusion usually follows an episode of acute otitis media.

Who is affected by otitis media?

Otitis media is most common in young children, with more than 75% of episodes occurring in children under 10 years of age.