Otitis media usually occurs in children under 3 years of age. Symptoms include inflammation of the middle ear, often with fluid building up behind the ear drum. The child may cry persistently, tug at the ear, have a fever, be irritable, and be unable to hear well. These symptoms may sometimes be accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Otitis media is common in young children whether they attend child care or are cared for at home.
However, some children appear to be more susceptible to otitis media than other children. Otitis media is not contagious, but the upper respiratory illnesses that can lead to otitis media are infectious. Upper respiratory infections are spread when one person comes in contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person which have contaminated the air or an object. Otitis media is often treated with antibiotics. Some doctors give children daily antibiotics to prevent otitis media in children who have had repeat cases.