What are chronic suppurative otitis media?
Chronic suppurative otitis media is a persistent inflammation of the middle ear lasting six weeks or more and characterised by recurrent persistent discharge from the ear. The discharge usually occurs through a persistent perforation of the eardrum.
A form of chronic otitis media can occur without perforation of the drum when the middle ear fills with fluid without active infection (glue ear). Discharge may also occur through a drainage tube (grommet), surgically inserted to drain the persistent fluid from the middle ear.
Acute otitis media results from a bacterial infection entering the ear from the throat and is characterised by pus forming in the middle ear, sometimes associated with bleeding. The ear drum may or may not perforate but if it does the perforation tends to heal spontaneously in the majority of cases. Recurrent acute otitis media or delay in healing following an acute attack may lead to persistent perforation of the eardrum and chronic suppurative otitis media.
Other causes of inflammation such as injury or allergy may also affect the middle ear and together all causes of middle ear inflammation are collectively referred to as ‘Otitis Media’.
More information about this condition
Amended February 2009
