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Medical Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia -> Disease -> O -> Otitis

Otitis

Alternate Names: Ear infection; Infection - ear

Causes and Risks: Otitis, or ear infection, can affect the internal ear or the external ear. Otitis is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly (acute) or slowly (chronic).

Specific types of ear infection include:

Prevention: See the specific types of otitis.

Symptoms: Any of the following, or other symptoms, may indicate otitis:

  • Earache
  • Itching or other discomfort in the ear or ear canal
  • Drainage from the ear
  • Hearing loss
  • Ear noise or buzzing
Other symptoms that may sometimes occur:

Signs and Tests: Physical examination of the ears, with or without an instrument (otoscope), may show signs typical of otitis. For example, otitis externa often shows a red, painful external ear. Otitis media may cause redness or swelling of the eardrum.

Treatment: Treatment usually includes antibiotics or other antimicrobials, depending on the suspected cause of the infection.

Prognosis: Most types of ear infection respond readily to treatment.

Complications: See the specific types of otitis.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of otitis are present.

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