Health Encyclopedia

Otitis

Definition

Otitis is a general term for infection or inflammation of the ear.

Alternative Names

Ear infection; Infection - ear

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Otitis can affect the inner or outer parts of the ear. The condition is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly and for a short time (acute) or repeatedly over a long period of time (chronic).

Specific types of ear infection include:

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Chills
Diarrhea
Drainage from the ear
Earache
Ear noise or buzzing
Fever
Hearing loss
Itching or other discomfort in the ear or ear canal
Irritability
Malaise (feeling of general illness)
Nausea
Vomiting

Signs and tests

Your health care provider will examine your ears and use an instrument called an otoscope to look inside them. Signs that may be seen during an exam include a red, painful outer ear or redness or swelling of the eardrum.

Treatment

Treatment may include antibiotics or ear drops, depending on the suspected cause of the infection.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most types of ear infection respond well to treatment. If there is no improvement after 3 days, your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic. In certain uncomplicated cases, a child over 6 months of age who does not have a fever may not be given medicine unless the infection continues after 48-72 hours. For more specific outlooks and recommendations, see the following articles:

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of otitis.

Review Date:12/1/2008
Reviewed By:Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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