Is it easy for otitis media to recur after having it once?

In general, whether otitis media tends to recur after one episode depends on individual constitution and care practices. Adults who receive thorough treatment and proper care usually do not experience recurrence easily, whereas children or individuals with inadequate treatment are more prone to recurrent episodes. The detailed analysis is as follows:

In adults, the anatomy of the middle ear is fully developed. If the initial episode of otitis media is treated promptly and completely, with full resolution of inflammation, and if ear canal protection is maintained—such as avoiding contaminated water exposure and reducing the frequency of colds—the likelihood of recurrence is low. Maintaining dry ear canals in daily life and properly managing nasal congestion during colds can effectively reduce the risk of middle ear infection.

In children, the Eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for bacteria to enter the middle ear. Additionally, their immune systems are not yet fully mature. Incomplete treatment of the initial infection, frequent colds, or adenoid hypertrophy may lead to repeated inflammation. Moreover,不良 habits such as ear picking or water entering the ear canal further increase the risk of recurrence, necessitating targeted preventive measures.

Good daily habits should be cultivated: thoroughly drying the area around the ears after bathing to prevent water from entering the ear canal; when having a cold, gently blowing the nose one nostril at a time to avoid forcing nasal secretions into the middle ear via the Eustachian tube.