Otitis is any of several disorders involving infection and/or inflammation of the internal or external ear.
Alternative Names:
Ear infection; Infection - ear
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Otitis can affect the internal ear (media) or the external ear (externa). Otitis is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly and for a short time (acute) or if it occurs repeatedly or persistently over a long period of time (chronic).
Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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