Otitis

Otitis is a general term for inflammation or infection, inner ear infection, middle ear infection of the ear, in both humans and other animals. When infection is present, it may be viral or bacterial.[1] When inflammation is present due to fluid build up in the middle ear and infection is not present it is considered Otitis media with effusion.[2] It is subdivided into the following:

• Otitis externa, external otitis, or "swimmer's ear", involves the outer ear and ear canal. In external otitis, we see tenderness in the pinna[3]—i.e., the outer ear hurts when touched or pulled.
• Otitis media, or middle ear infection, involves the middle ear. In otitis media, the ear is infected or clogged with fluid behind the ear drum, in the normally air-filled middle-ear space. This is the most common infection[4] and very common in babies below 6 months. This condition sometimes requires a surgical procedure called myringotomy and tube insertion.
• Otitis interna, or labyrinthitis, involves the inner ear. The inner ear includes sensory organs for balance and hearing. When the inner ear is inflamed, vertigo is a common symptom. Other symptoms in adults include pain and drainage from ear or problems with hearing.[5] Symptoms in children can include excessive crying, touching at ears, drainage, and fever.[5]

Otitis
Specialty	ENT surgery

Treatment can range from increasing fluids and over-the-counter medicine to manage symptoms to antibiotics prescribed by medical providers.[6]