Otitis media is a nonspecific term describing inflammation of the middle ear, and is classified according to its clinical presentation. Otitis media is more commonly referred to as an ear infection. As most parents know, ear infections demand attention. Otitis media can be classified as acute otitis media or as otitis media with effusion meaning that there is an accumulation of fluids. Acute otitis media is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms, and episodes are more frequent in the first 3 years of life. Acute otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis in infants and children who visit physicians because of illness. Acute otitis media occurs in adults, but with much less frequency. Otitis media with effusion differs from acute otitis media in that signs and symptoms of acute infection are absent. Several risk factors contribute to the higher incidence and frequency of otitis media. These include the season of the year, certain malformations, environmental factors, and the age of the child when the first episode occurred.
Zinc is necessary for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes and, as such, it plays a vital role in an enormous number of biological processes. Zinc is widely distributed in microorganisms, plants, and animals. In humans, the highest concentrations of zinc are found in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bone, and muscles. Zinc is highly concentrated in parts of the eye, prostate gland, sperm, skin, hair, and nails. Zinc helps regulate a wide variety of immune system functions and it may stimulate anti-viral activity. Because of these benefits, it has been studied for use as a treatment for the common cold. The best dietary sources of zinc are lean meats, liver, eggs, and seafood (especially oysters). Whole grain breads and cereals are also good sources of zinc.
A team of researchers identified 10 randomized, placebo-controlled trials to evaluate whether zinc supplements could prevent otitis media in children. The children were given zinc supplements once a week for a month to prevent ear infections. The zinc supplements did not seem to cause any serious adverse events. Although a small number of children did vomit shortly after ingesting the supplement. The results were there was not any solid evidence that zinc could prevent ear infections. There was one small trial of 39 infants who were being treated for severe malnutrition that suggested a benefit of zinc in reducing the risk of otitis media. The authors concluded that evidence on whether zinc supplementation can reduce the incidence of otitis media in healthy children under the age of five years is not confirmed.1
1 Abba K, Gulani A, Sachdev HS. Zinc supplements for preventing otitis media. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010.
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