Ear infection
Ear Infection
An Ear Infection (pronunciation: /ɪər ɪnˈfɛkʃən/) is a common medical condition that affects the Middle Ear, the area right behind the Eardrum. The medical term for an ear infection is Otitis Media (pronunciation: /oʊˈtaɪtɪs ˈmiːdiə/).
Etymology
The term "Ear Infection" is derived from the English words "ear" and "infection". The term "Otitis Media" is derived from the Greek words "otitis", meaning inflammation of the ear, and "media", meaning middle.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, difficulty hearing, fluid drainage from the ear, and fever. In children, additional symptoms may include irritability, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite.
Causes
Ear infections are often caused by bacterial or viral infections. They are more common in children than in adults due to the size and shape of their Eustachian Tubes and their immune system.
Treatment
Treatment for ear infections typically involves managing pain and monitoring the problem. Antibiotics may be necessary in severe cases or for children under 6 months. In some cases, surgical procedures might be required, such as the insertion of tubes in the ears to help fluid drain.
Related Terms
- Otitis Externa: An infection of the outer ear canal.
- Mastoiditis: An infection that spreads to the mastoid bone.
- Tympanostomy: A surgical procedure often used in treating chronic or recurrent ear infections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ear infection
- Wikipedia's article - Ear infection
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