Is Ear Inflammation Necessarily Middle Ear Infection?

Ear inflammation may be caused by otitis media, as well as external otitis, tympanitis, and other diseases. Patients are advised to promptly seek medical attention, undergo relevant examinations, and receive targeted treatment.

1. Otitis Media

Caused by bacterial or viral infections, otitis media can lead to symptoms such as ear pain and discharge from the ear canal. In severe cases, it may also cause hearing loss. If left untreated, the inflammation may spread to the tympanic membrane, causing tympanic membrane perforation, which manifests as ear inflammation.

2. External Otitis

Usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection, external otitis can cause ear pain, redness, swelling, and fever. It can also lead to ear inflammation due to local inflammatory stimulation.

3. Tympanitis

Mostly caused by viral infections, such as influenza virus and adenovirus, tympanitis can cause tympanic membrane congestion, edema, and increased secretions. If the condition continues to worsen, it can cause tympanic membrane perforation, leading to ear inflammation.

4. Other Diseases

Diseases such as acute suppurative otomastoiditis and bullous tympanitis can also cause ear inflammation. Acute suppurative otomastoiditis is caused by hemolytic streptococcus infection, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Bullous tympanitis, on the other hand, is primarily caused by viral infections, causing symptoms such as ear pain, ear fullness, and hearing loss.

In daily life, pay attention to personal hygiene and avoid scratching the affected area with your hands. Additionally, maintain good lifestyle habits and avoid staying up late.