A second attack of otitis media may occur long after the initial attack during which a mastoid operation may have been performed. The idea is prevalent that if a patient has been operated on for acute mastoiditis subsequent infection is not likely to occur. There really is little foundation for such a view.
As a matter of fact, certain persons seem predisposed to involvement of the middle ear with acute infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is not likely that the infecting organism will show any particular selectivity for the ear. It is more likely that the particular anatomic configuration of the nasopharynx and eustachian tubes, together with the person's habits with regard to the hygiene of the infected upper respiratory tract, are the important factors involved. An example of this is the habit of blowing the nose in a wrong manner.
Animals are seldom