Otitis is a medical condition in which the internal or external ear becomes inflamed or infected. For this reason, it is also commonly referred to simply as an ear infection. An infection can last for a short period of time, in which case it is referred to as acute otitis. Alternatively, it can reoccur repeatedly or last for a long period of time; in this case, it is called chronic otitis.
There are several symptoms associated with otitis, with the most common and noticeable symptom being an earache. An earache is a pain in the ear that may be dull, sharp, or burning. An infection may also cause itching in the ear or a general feeling of discomfort.
In addition to pain, otitis can cause temporary hearing loss. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent hearing loss as well. A person suffering from otitis may also experience buzzing or noise in the ear and notice drainage from the ear. It can also lead to chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and malaise. In some cases, a person with an ear infection may also become irritable.
In order to test for otitis, a medical professional must use a special instrument called an otoscope to look inside the ear. In severe cases, however, it may be possible to diagnose an infection without use of the instrument. While inspecting the ear, the medical professional looks for redness in the external ear as well as redness and swelling in the eardrum.
The treatment selected for otitis depends on the cause of the infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are typically prescribed. If a virus caused it, on the other hand, the medical professional will treat the symptoms as the infection runs its course. The majority of cases are caused by bacterial infections and clear up within a few days after starting treatment.
Failure to treat otitis can lead to permanent hearing loss if the infection causes the eardrum to rupture. In addition, the fluids in the ear often lead to hearing loss until the infection is cleared up. Therefore, it is important for patients to seek prompt medical attention when they suspect an ear infection.
