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Otitis media is a middle ear infection that is most common in infants and young children, especially those between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
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The middle ear is connected to the throat by a small tube called the eustachian tube. Viruses and bacteria that normally live in the throat can sometimes cross into the middle ear - through the eustachian tube - causing an infection.
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Common symptoms of acute otitis media are fever, pain, and irritability. In children, the ear infection often begins after the child has had a cold for several days. It's more difficult to detect signs of ear infection in young babies. You may notice a change in mood or feeding, and the infant will most likely have a fever.
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From a visual examination inside the ear and description of the symptoms, your doctor can diagnose otitis media.
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Are you doing the right things to treat otitis media?
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