Which term describes infection or inflammation of the middle ear?

Which term describes infection or inflammation of the middle ear?

• A. Otitis externa
• B. Rhinitis
• C. Otitis media
• D. Epistaxis

Answer: (C)

The term for infection or inflammation of the middle ear is otitis media. The middle ear sits behind the eardrum, and when it becomes inflamed or infected, fluid can accumulate, causing pain and sometimes reduced hearing. This often follows a cold or allergy and can result from Eustachian tube dysfunction that traps fluid in the space behind the eardrum. This is different from otitis externa, which is an infection of the outer ear canal; rhinitis, which is inflammation of the nasal mucosa; and epistaxis, which is a nosebleed.

The term for infection or inflammation of the middle ear is otitis media. The middle ear sits behind the eardrum, and when it becomes inflamed or infected, fluid can accumulate, causing pain and sometimes reduced hearing. This often follows a cold or allergy and can result from Eustachian tube dysfunction that traps fluid in the space behind the eardrum.

This is different from otitis externa, which is an infection of the outer ear canal; rhinitis, which is inflammation of the nasal mucosa; and epistaxis, which is a nosebleed.