An ear infection, also called otitis, is caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Ear infections are especially prevalent in young children. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that 75 percent of children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. There are a few different types of ear infections, depending on their location in the ear.
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is an infection of the ear canal, which is external to the inner and middle portions of the ear, according to the Columbia University School of Medicine. The symptoms of this type of ear infection are itching, pain and swelling in the ear canal; discharge from the ear, possibly foul smelling; and formation of a crust around the ear canal opening. Otitis externa is often called "swimmer's ear," and is usually caused by bacteria and sometime fungi. The infection is often precipitated by injury to the ear canal, such as can be caused by improper use of a cotton swab. Water itself does not cause "swimmer's ear," but getting water in the ear increases the risk of infection. People with skin allergies are also at elevated risk for developing otitis externa.
Otitis Media
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. The main symptom of this type of ear infection is severe pain inside the ear. However, the infection may spread from the middle ear to other sites in the body, including the brain, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Furthermore, persistent infections in the middle ear can cause chronic fluid buildup, making it difficult to hear and possibly resulting in speech and language problems in children. The fluid may also put too much pressure on the eardrum, and it may tear or rupture. Seek treatment at the first sign of an ear infection.
The initial cause of otitis media are often respiratory infections that have spread to the ears. These infections are often viral or bacterial in nature, and are the most common type of ear infection affecting young children.
Otitis Interna
Otitis interna, commonly referred to as "labyrinthitis," is an infection of the middle ear, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hearshey Medical Center. Because the inner ear helps control balance, symptoms include dizziness, vertigo and loss of balance. There may also be involuntary eye movements and difficulty focusing the eyes; nausea and vomiting; and ringing in the ears. The infections are usually caused by a bacterium or virus, and often spread from a middle ear infection (otitis media) or from the lungs during respiratory infections.
