Glue ear Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear, usually due to a bacterial or viral infection. It is more common in children, because their Eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose) are narrower and easily blocked, allowing pus and fluid to accumulate in the middle ear rather than draining away (which is then known as otitis media with effusion, or glue ear).
Sometimes, the eardrum may rupture, causing a bloodstained discharge and a decrease in pain.
Treatment for otitis media is with medication to clear up the infection and relieve pain.