Otitis
Otitis
Otitis (/oʊˈtaɪtɪs/; from Greek ot-, meaning "ear" and -itis, a common suffix used in medicine to denote inflammation) is a general term for inflammation or infection of the ear. It can affect either the inner, middle, or outer part of the ear, leading to different types of otitis: Otitis externa, Otitis media, and Otitis interna (or labyrinthitis).
Etymology
The term "otitis" is derived from the Greek word ot-, which means "ear" and the medical suffix -itis, which denotes inflammation. Thus, otitis translates to "inflammation of the ear."
Types of Otitis
- Otitis externa (/oʊˈtaɪtɪs ɛkˈstɜːrnə/), also known as "swimmer's ear," is an inflammation of the external ear canal. It is often caused by bacterial infection, but can also be due to fungal infection or irritation from foreign bodies.
- Otitis media (/oʊˈtaɪtɪs ˈmiːdiə/), or inflammation of the middle ear, is often associated with upper respiratory infections. It can be acute or chronic, and can lead to complications such as hearing loss if not treated promptly.
- Otitis interna (/oʊˈtaɪtɪs ɪnˈtɜːrnə/), also known as labyrinthitis, is inflammation of the inner ear. It can cause symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Related Terms
- Eustachian tube: A tube that links the nasopharynx to the middle ear, which is important in maintaining equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
- Tympanic membrane: Also known as the eardrum, it separates the external ear from the middle ear.
- Mastoiditis: An infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. This condition can occur if otitis media is not treated properly.
- Myringitis: Inflammation of the tympanic membrane, often caused by infection.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Otitis
- Wikipedia's article - Otitis
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