Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Otitis is a general term for infection or inflammation of the ear.
Alternative Names
Ear infection; Infection - ear
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Otitis can affect the inner or outer parts of the ear. The condition is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly and for a short time (acute) or repeatedly over a long period of time (chronic).
When otitis involves the outer ear and ear canal, it is called otitis externa. For specific information, see:
Otitis externa - acute - Otitis externa - chronic
Otitis externa - malignant
When otitis involves the middle ear, located just behind the eardrum, it is called otitis media: For specific information, see:
Otitis media - acute Otitis media -chronic Otitis media - with effusion
Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
