Dangers of Untreated Middle Ear Infections in Children

A middle ear infection (otitis media) is the second most common infectious condition in children, after upper respiratory tract infections. Understandably many parents are not immediately concerned when otitis media is diagnosed in their children as it is so common and often just goes away on its own. Sometimes treatment is necessary. However, leaving otitis media without treatment or close monitoring can lead to some very serious complications. It is even possible that what was a simple middle ear infection today can progress to a brain problem and cause other life threatening consequences. No matter how many times a middle ear infection (otitis media) tends to occur in a child, it needs to be managed by a medical practitioner. Most cases of otitis media in children clears up on its own and the symptoms do not often last beyond a few days. Symptomatic treatment is all that is necessary until the conditions resolves spontaneously. However, there is no way for parents to know for sure whether this bout of otitis media will complicate and lead to serious consequences without seeking the advice of a medical practitioner. Ear drops, antibiotics and even air ventilation tubes (grommets) may be necessary in some [...]