OTITIS (inflammation or infection of the ear)

IMAGE ; Inflammation and infection of middle Ear compared with normal ear.

Definition of otitis

Otitis is a condition of ear in which infection and inflamation of ear characterized by ear pain this is known as otitis.

Etiology/Risk Factors

• Chronic infection of ear (infection from a long time)
• Otitis media ( infection and inflamation of middle ear)
• Otitis externa ( infection and inflamation of external ear)

Clinical Manifestations

• Ear pain (otalgia)
• Irritability
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Congestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of balance
• Problems in hearing
• Difficulty in sleeping

Diagnostic Evaluation

• History collection
• Physical examination
• Drainage culture
• Otoscopy

Management

• Astringents
• Oral antibiotics
• Administer analgesics orally and in the form of ear drops
• Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Intravenous antibiotics.

Prevention

• Ensure emptying of water after swimming or bathing
• Eliminate the chance of any trauma to the ear canal.
• Avoid washing of the ears.
• Instill eardrops after swimming.