Otitides: Acute and Chronic Otitis Media and Externa

Prim Care. 2025 Mar;52(1):1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2024.09.003. Epub 2024 Dec 30.

Abstract

Otitis media and otitis externa are common ear conditions affecting individuals of all ages. Symptoms can range from mild to severe ear pain. These conditions result from infections, immune responses, and environmental factors. Proper management requires use of up-to-date guidelines and advanced treatments to address the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy challenges. This article overviews current practices and recent developments in treating these common ear disorders.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Earache; Otalgia; Otitis externa; Otitis media; Otoscopy; Tympanostomy tube.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Otitis Externa* / diagnosis
  • Otitis Externa* / drug therapy
  • Otitis Externa* / therapy
  • Otitis Media* / diagnosis
  • Otitis Media* / drug therapy
  • Otitis Media* / therapy
  • Primary Health Care

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents