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Ear infection (otitis media): Fast facts (00:00:34)
Video Transcript
Otitis media is an ear infection behind the eardrum in the middle ear.
It can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
An ear infection usually starts with a cold.
A cold can cause swelling in the small tube that connects each ear to the throat.
These two tubes are called eustachian tubes.
Swelling can block the tube and trap fluid inside the ear.
This makes it a perfect place for bacteria or viruses to grow and cause an infection.
Ear infections happen mostly to young children.