Otitis

• Otitis externa, external otitis, involves inflammation (either infectious or non-infectious) of the external auditory canal, sometimes extending to the pinna or tragus.^[4] Otitis externa can be acute or chronic. It can fungal or bacterial. The most common aetiology of acute otitis externa is bacterial infection,^[5] while chronic cases are often associated with underlying skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis.^[6] A third form, malignant otitis externa, or necrotising otitis externa, is a potentially life-threatening, invasive infection of the external auditory canal and skull.^[7] Usually associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, this form typically occurs in older people with diabetes mellitus, or immunocompromised people.^[7]Otomycosis is the fungal form of Otitis Externa that is more common in coastal regions.
• 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 and very common in babies younger than 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.^[8] Symptoms in children can include excessive crying, touching at ears, drainage, and fever.^[8]

Otitis
Specialty	ENT surgery

Treatment can range from increasing fluids and over-the-counter medicine to manage symptoms to antibiotics prescribed by medical providers.^[9]

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