Summarized here are two types of otitis media :
· Acute otitis media
Acute otitis media is the most common form of middle ear infection caused by the presence of excessive fluids in the ear. Its symptoms are pain, possible a light fever, as well as the change of the color of the eardrum (usually becomes red).
· Otitis media with effusion
When fluids in the middle ear persist for 6 or more weeks, or when there is fluids that's not infected, otitis media is perceived in that regard as being chronic in nature. This condition is therefore called otitis media with effusion.
It is vitally important that the difference between these two forms of otitis media is distinguished to ensure that the right treatment options are followed. This is because some form of otitis may worsen when antibiotics are taken as treatment option. Click here to learn more preventing otitis media with effusion
The above information thankfully comes from the entmags.org at the following link.