Otitis

Otitis, inflammation of the middle ear, is accompanied by pain and increased redness of the membrana tympani. It may be due to catching cold; the severer forms resulting in the formation of pus in the cavity of the middle ear, with perforation of the drum of the ear, and discharge of matter externally, usually occur in children after an attack of measles, scarlet fever, or other disease. A simple catarrh may yield to warm fomentations and mild purgation; but ear ache involves so many possible serious complications that it is advisable to procure medical advice from the outset. The discharge of pus from the ear (otorrhosa) is apt, if neglected, to persist for a long time, and in some cases has resulted in septic mischief or cerebral abscess.