Otitis
Is otitis contagious? Everything you need to know about symptoms and treatments for ear infections.
Symptoms and Causes
Otitis is an inflammation of the ear, sometimes accompanied by infection, as well as inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This swelling is usually associated with intense pain. Depending on the duration, this condition is classified as follows:
- Acute otitis: The most common type. Symptoms last for a maximum of three weeks.
- Subacute otitis: Lasts between three and twelve weeks.
- Chronic otitis: Persists for more than twelve weeks.
Otitis is also classified based on the affected part of the ear, resulting in three main types: external otitis, middle ear otitis (the most common), and inner ear otitis.
Although otitis can affect people of all ages, children are the most susceptible. Acute otitis media is particularly common in children between two months and six years of age.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms across all types of otitis include:
- Otalgia (ear pain)
- Fever
- Hearing loss
- Sensation of ear fullness
- Ear ringing (tinnitus)
Less common symptoms include facial paralysis, vertigo, and otorrhea, which is ear discharge. These secretions can vary:
- Mucous otitis is characterized by thick, sticky discharge.
- Purulent otitis produces pus.
Causes
Like other infections, otitis can be caused by a virus or bacteria that reach the ear. It is commonly a consequence of the flu or a cold.
Risk Factors
The primary risk factors for otitis include:
- Being between six months and two years old, as the Eustachian tubes are still developing and the immune system is weaker.
- Living with many people at home, daycare, or school.
- Having allergies.
Complications
Otitis usually resolves quickly without complications. However, recurrent cases may lead to hearing damage, speech delays, or eardrum perforation. In some instances, it can progress to mastoiditis or meningitis if the infection spreads.
Prevention
To prevent otitis, it is recommended to:
- Maintain proper hand hygiene.
- Avoid contact with people who have colds.
- Minimize exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Ensure that babies who are bottle-fed remain in an upright position during feeding.
Which Doctor Treats Otitis?
Otitis is diagnosed and treated by otolaryngologists, pediatricians, and general practitioners.
Diagnosis
Otitis is diagnosed based on symptom analysis and otoscopy, a visual examination of the ear. If complications are suspected, additional tests may be performed, such as:
- Tympanometry to assess eardrum damage and check the mobility of the ossicles.
- Audiometry to determine the presence and severity of hearing loss.
Treatment
Viral otitis typically improves within a few days without specific treatment. However, pain relievers are often recommended to alleviate the intense pain.
In cases of bacterial otitis, antibiotics—either oral or in ear drops—are used to treat the infection.
