Reviewed by Dr. Clement J. Cheng
Otitis media, more commonly known as an ear infection, is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. Otitis media can become a chronic condition if it recurs continually or persists. However, chronic ear infection is extremely rare.
Inflammation of the ear occurs when there is a collection of sterile fluid in the ear. Causes of inflammation range from an overproduction of fluid in the middle ear or a blockage of the Eustachian tube, the passage between the middle ear and the back of the throat and nose. Excess fluid in the ear causes inflammation and irritation.
When bacteria or a virus infects the middle ear fluid, the ear produces more fluid and pus. The infection causes a build-up of pressure that in turn causes the pain and blocked hearing that are symptomatic of ear infections.
