| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Otitis is any of several disorders involving infection and/or inflammation of the internal or external ear. |
| Alternative Names | Ear infection; Infection - ear |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Otitis (ear infection or inflammation) can affect the internal ear or the external ear. Otitis is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly (acute) or over a long period(chronic). Specific types of ear infection include: Otitis externa - acuteOtitis externa - chronicOtitis externa - malignantOtitis media - acuteOtitis media -chronicOtitis media - with effusion |
| 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:Fever Chills Irritability Malaise (feeling of general illness) Nausea , vomitingDiarrhea |
| 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. |
| Support Groups | |
| Expectations (prognosis) | Most types of ear infection respond readily to treatment. |
| Complications | See the specific types of otitis. |
| Calling your health care provider | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of otitis are present. |
| Prevention | See the specific types of otitis. |
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