Otitis<unk>  develops when the<unk> l ear canal becomes susceptible to bacterial or fungal infection by various mechanisms. Sudden invasive changes in humidity from a rapid intake of water into the ear canal can predispose the<unk> l ear to bacterial infection. This occurs by thinning of the cerumen in the ear canal and weakening an important protective barrier in the ear. The epithelial surface of the skin begins to degrade, allowing easier infiltration by bacteria. The pH of the ear canal is usually maintained at 5.0 by a combination of the cerumen and the mechanical construction of the ear; when this increases it renders the ear more favorable to bacterial reproduction. Increased moisture in the ear canal can also lead to otitis<unk>  caused by otomycosis. The buildup of fungal debris in the ear canal epithelium leads to increasing pressure and inflammation. Surfer's ear or exostosis of the ear canal predisposes to otitis<unk>  by rendering the ear canal more prone water-bourne pathogens. Localized trauma can cause weakening of the ear canal epithelium and thinning of cerumen, predisposing infection. Otitis<unk>  is associated with infectious, inflammatory ear and head conditions. Gross pathology for otitis<unk>  will include erythema of the ear canal, along with eczema-like scaly, shedding of the skin. It also includes visible ear canal swelling, as well as potentially cellulitis of the pinna and otorrhea.
Otitis externa pathophysiology
Otitis externa risk factors
Otitis media pathophysiology
Appendicitis risk factors
Volvulus pathophysiology
Cervicitis risk factors
Cervicitis pathophysiology
Helicobacter pylori infection pathophysiology