OTitis

Otitis is inflammation of ear tissue and can involve different parts of the ear. It most commonly refers to otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal) and otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), and it can be acute or chronic. It affects people of all ages but is especially common in children.

Otitis externa is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms include ear pain, itching, redness, swelling, and discharge. Hearing may be affected if the canal is narrow or filled with debris. Common causes are bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi in some cases. Risk factors include moisture exposure (swimming), ear canal trauma from hearing aids or cotton swabs, and skin conditions.

Otitis media involves the middle ear. Acute otitis media presents with ear pain, fever, irritability, and sometimes hearing loss or a sense of fullness. Otitis media with effusion refers to fluid in the middle ear without acute infection and may impair hearing or balance. Causes are often viral upper respiratory infections that disrupt Eustachian tube function, sometimes followed by bacterial infection. Risk factors include young age, daycare attendance, and exposure to tobacco smoke.

Diagnosis is made by clinical examination with an otoscope, noting findings in the ear canal and tympanic membrane. Additional tests such as tympanometry or audiometry may be used in persistent or unclear cases. Cultures are reserved for difficult-to-treat or severe infections.

Treatment varies by type. Otitis externa is usually treated with topical antibiotics and sometimes steroids, along with keeping the ear dry. Otitis media may require analgesia and selective use of systemic antibiotics; many cases are self-limiting or managed with watchful waiting in appropriate circumstances. Chronic otitis media or persistent effusions may require longer therapy or surgical options such as tympanostomy tubes. Potential complications include hearing loss and, rarely, mastoiditis. Prevention includes vaccination, avoiding smoke exposure, and proper ear care.