Otitis
(Redirected from Ear infection)
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 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2021) |
| Otitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Specialty | ENT surgery |
| Symptoms | Mayo Clinic |
| Causes | Mayo Clinic |
| Treatment | cdc.gov |
Otitis is a general term for inflammation or infection of the ear, in both humans and other animals. When infection is present, it may be viral or bacterial.[1] When inflammation is present due to fluid build up in the middle ear and infection is not present it is considered Otitis media with effusion.[2] It is subdivided into the following:
- Otitis externa, external otitis, or "swimmer's ear", involves the outer ear and ear canal. In external otitis, the ear hurts when touched or pulled.
- Otitis media, or middle ear infection, involves the middle ear. In otitis media, the ear is infected or clogged with fluid behind the ear drum, in the normally air-filled middle-ear space. This the most common infection[3] and very common in babies below 6 months sometimes requires a surgical procedure called myringotomy and tube insertion.
- Otitis interna, or labyrinthitis, involves the inner ear. The inner ear includes sensory organs for balance and hearing. When the inner ear is inflamed, vertigo is a common symptom. Other symptoms in adults include pain and drainage from ear or problems with hearing.[4] Symptoms in children can include excessive crying, touching at ears, drainage, and fever.[4]
Treatment can range from increasing fluids and over the counter medicine to manage symptoms to antibiotics prescribed by medical providers.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ "Ear Infection (middle ear)". Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ^ "Otitis media with effusion". MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ^ "What causes an ear infection?". Medy Blog. 2021-09-25. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
{{cite web}}:|first=missing|last=(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Otitis". Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ^ "CDC Ear Infection Treatment". CDC. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
External links[edit]
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