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Alternative names Return to top
Ear infection; Infection - earDefinition Return to top
Otitis is any of several disorders involving infection and/or inflammation of the internal or external ear.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
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).Symptoms Return to top
Any of the following symptoms may develop with otitis:Signs and tests Return to top
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.Treatment Return to top
Treatment usually includes antibiotics or other antimicrobials, depending on the suspected cause of the infection.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
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.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of otitis. Update Date: 1/3/2003 Updated by: Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |