Otitis


Inflammation of the ear. Depending upon which part of the ear is inflammed, there is otitis externa, otitis media, and otitis interna.

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  • Otitis externa

    Infection of the skin covering the outer ear canal that leads in to the ear drum, usually due to bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas. Swimmer’s ear is usually caused by excessive water exposure. Infection with a fungus may also occur. When water pools in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin […]

  • Otitis interna

    A technically correct term that is hardly ever used, meaning inflammation or infarction of the inner ear. Labyrinthitis is the more commonly used term.

  • Otitis media

    Inflammation of the middle ear characterized by the accumulation of infected fluid in the middle ear, bulging of the eardrum, pain in the ear and, if eardrum is perforated, drainage of purulent material (pus) into the ear canal. Otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis in sick children in the U.S., especially affecting infants and […]

  • Oto-

    Prefix meaning ear, as in otology (the study and medical care of the ear) and otoplasty (plastic surgery to reshape the outer ear).

  • Otolaryngologist

    A physician specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the head and neck, especially those involving the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). Also called an ENT, ENT doctor, or ENT physician.


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