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Otitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Ear infection; Infection - ear

Definition of Otitis:

Otitis is a general term for infection or inflammation of the ear.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Otitis can affect the inner or outer parts of the ear. The condition is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly and for a short time (acute) or repeatedly over a long period of time (chronic).

Specific types of ear infection include:

  • Reviewed last on: 10/17/2006
  • Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.