What is otitis?
Otitis is the infection or inflammation of the ear spaces. Depending on the duration of the disease, it is classified into different types: acute, between one and three weeks; subacute, between 3 and 12 weeks; and chronic, when the duration is longer than 12 weeks.
Otitis may affect the inner or outer parts of the ear.
- Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, affects the outer ear and the external auditory canal.
- Otitis media: commonly known as ear infection. It involves the middle ear, which is located just behind the eardrum.
- Acute ear infection: Usually painful. It comes on suddenly and lasts for a short period of time.
- Chronic ear infection: Occurs when the infection does not go away or, if it does, keeps coming back.
- Otitis media with effusion: A thick, sticky fluid appears behind the eardrum, but there is no ear infection.
What are the symptoms?
The most frequent symptoms of otitis are: ear pain, fever, irritability, discharge, vertigo and, more rarely, facial paralysis.
Causes of otitis or why it occurs
The causes of otitis are: malfunction of the Eustachian tube, upper respiratory tract infection or allergic problems (allergic otitis). Generally, bacteria and viruses cause ear infections.
Can it be prevented?
To prevent otitis, certain precautions must be taken into account. It is important to prevent water from entering the ear canal. Specialists state that bath plugs are not effective in preventing otitis externa. After bathing, the ears should be gently dried with a towel or gauze.
What is the treatment?
Generally, antibiotic treatment is sufficient to cure otitis, although it is sometimes accompanied by nasal decongestants and mucolytics. In patients with chronic otitis, the clearest symptom is hearing loss and its treatment will be determined on a case-by-case basis.