How many days does otitis media usually take to recover?

Nov 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, the recovery time for otitis media varies depending on the type and treatment. Acute non-suppurative otitis media usually resolves within 1–2 weeks, while acute suppurative otitis media typically improves within 2–3 weeks with proper treatment; delayed treatment may prolong the course of illness. If not treated promptly, it may become chronic, extending the recovery period to several months. In daily life, it is important to keep the ear canal dry and to blow the nose properly.

Generally, the recovery time for otitis media varies depending on the type and treatment. Non-suppurative acute otitis media usually resolves within 1–2 weeks, while suppurative acute otitis media typically improves within 2–3 weeks with proper treatment; delayed treatment may prolong the course of illness. Specific analysis is as follows:

Acute non-suppurative otitis media is often triggered by a cold, presenting symptoms such as ear fullness and mild hearing loss, without pus discharge. Timely use of nasal decongestants to clear the Eustachian tube, combined with mucolytic agents, along with keeping the ear canal dry, leads to symptom relief in most people within about one week, with basic recovery achieved within two weeks. Pediatric patients may recover slightly slower, but can still improve within this timeframe with appropriate care.

Acute suppurative otitis media causes ear pain and pus discharge, possibly accompanied by fever. Early administration of sensitive antibiotics is necessary to control infection. Pain rapidly subsides once pus is drained, inflammation gradually消退 over 1–2 weeks, and complete recovery generally takes 2–3 weeks.

If not treated promptly, the condition may become chronic, extending recovery time to several months. In daily life, it's important to keep the ear canals dry, blow the nose properly, and avoid exposing ears to contaminated water to support recovery.

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