Otitis

Alternative Names: Ear infection; Infection - ear

Otitis is a general term for infection or inflammation of the ear.

Causes of Otitis

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

Ear anatomy	Medical findings based on ear anatomy	Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Review Date: 7/26/2010
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.

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