Otitis

Otitis

Otitis refers to inflammation or infection of the ear, which can affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. It is a common condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and sometimes hearing loss. Otitis is classified into different types based on the part of the ear affected.

Types of Otitis

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, also known as "swimmer's ear," is an inflammation of the outer ear canal. It is often caused by bacterial or fungal infections, and can be exacerbated by water exposure, trauma, or skin conditions like eczema. Symptoms include ear pain, itching, redness, and sometimes discharge.

Otitis Media

Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. It is particularly common in children and can be acute or chronic. Acute otitis media is often associated with upper respiratory infections and can cause ear pain, fever, and irritability. Chronic otitis media may lead to persistent fluid in the middle ear, known as otitis media with effusion, which can affect hearing.

Otitis Interna

Otitis interna, or labyrinthitis, involves inflammation of the inner ear structures. This type of otitis can cause vertigo, dizziness, balance disturbances, and hearing loss. It is less common than otitis externa or media and may result from viral infections or other systemic conditions.

Causes

The causes of otitis vary depending on the type:

• Otitis Externa: Often caused by bacterial infections, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Fungal infections can also occur.
• Otitis Media: Typically follows a viral upper respiratory infection. Bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are common culprits.
• Otitis Interna: May be caused by viral infections, such as those from the herpes family, or as a complication of bacterial infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of otitis involves a clinical examination, often using an otoscope to visualize the ear canal and tympanic membrane. In cases of otitis media, tympanometry or audiometry may be used to assess middle ear function and hearing.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of otitis:

• Otitis Externa: Typically treated with topical antibiotics or antifungal medications. Pain management and keeping the ear dry are also important.
• Otitis Media: May require oral antibiotics, especially in bacterial cases. Analgesics and antipyretics are used for symptom relief. In chronic cases, tympanostomy tubes may be considered.
• Otitis Interna: Treatment focuses on managing symptoms such as vertigo and may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Keeping ears dry and clean to prevent otitis externa.
• Vaccination against common pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae to reduce the risk of otitis media.
• Avoiding smoking and managing allergies to reduce the risk of middle ear infections.

Also see

• Ear infection
• Hearing loss
• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Vertigo