| Definition: |
Otitis is any of several disorders involving infection and/or inflammation of the internal or external ear.
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| Alternative Names: |
Ear infection; Infection - ear
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Otitis can affect the internal ear (media) or the external ear (externa). Otitis is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly and for a short time (acute) or if it occurs repeatedly or persistently over a long period of time (chronic).
Specific types of ear infection include:
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| Symptoms: |
Any of the following symptoms may develop with otitis:
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| Signs and tests: |
Physical examination of the ears, with or without an instrument (otoscope), may show signs of otitis. For example, symptoms of otitis externa that may be seen during an examination include a red, painful external ear, while otitis media symptoms include redness or swelling of the eardrum.
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| Treatment: |
Treatment usually includes antibiotics or other antimicrobials, depending on the suspected cause of the infection.
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
Most types of ear infection respond readily to treatment. If there is no improvement after three days, the antibiotic regimen may need to be altered.
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| Calling your health care provider: |
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of otitis.
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