Definition for Otitis media
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, most often of bacterial origin as a result of upper respiratory infection in children and infants. Pathogens usually gain access to the middle ear cavity through the auditory tube, which is shorter and more horizontally oriented in infants and children than in adults. As the infection progresses, the middle ear cavity can fill with pus. The increase in pressure in the middle ear cavity can eventually rupture the tympanum. This condition can be treated by antibiotics.
