Inflammation of Ear

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Inflammation of Ear (Symptom)


Description

Otitis externa (also known as External otitis and Swimmers ear) is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Along with otitis media, external otitis is one of the two human conditions commonly called earache. It also occurs in many other species.

Causes

Inflammation of the skin of the ear canal is the essence of this disorder. The inflammation can be secondary to dermatitis (eczema) only, with no microbial infection, or it can be caused by active bacterial or fungal infection. In either case, but more often with infection, the ear canal skin swells and may become painful and/or tender to touch.

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. However, many doctors consider otitis media to be either inflammation or infection of the middle ear. This inflammation often begins with infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory problems, and spreads to the middle ear. Infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and can be acute or chronic.

Acute otitis media is usually of rapid onset and short duration. Acute otitis media is typically associated with fluid accumulation in the middle ear together with signs or symptoms of ear infection; a bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain, or a perforated eardrum, often with drainage of purulent material (pus, also termed suppurative otitis media). Fever can be present.

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