Acute otitis treatment in adults

Symptoms and treatment of otitis in adults

Content:

• Ear anatomy
• Causes of otitis media
• Pathogens of the disease
• The clinical picture is the symptoms of otitis
• General principles of diagnosis
• Treatment of external otitis media
• Treatment of otitis media and labyrinthitis in adults
• Prevention of otitis

Otitis is an ear inflammation, a general term for any infectious processes in the hearing organ. Depending on the affected area of ​​the ear, the outer, middle and inner otitis (labyrinthitis) are secreted. Otitis occurs frequently. Ten per cent of the world's population suffered from external otitis during their lifetime.

Annually in the world 709 million new cases of acute otitis media are registered. More than half of these episodes occur in children under 5 years of age, but adults also suffer from inflammation of the middle ear. Labyrinthitis, as a rule, is a complication of otitis media and is relatively rare.

Ear anatomy

For a better understanding of the subject, it is necessary to briefly recall the anatomy of the organ of hearing.

The components of the outer ear are the auricle and auditory canal. The role of the external ear is to trap the sound wave and carry it to the eardrum.

The middle ear is the tympanic membrane, the drum cavity containing the chain of auditory ossicles, and the auditory tube.

In the tympanic cavity, there is an increase in the sound vibrations, after which the sound wave follows the inner ear. The function of the auditory tube connecting the nasopharynx and the middle ear is the ventilation of the tympanum.

The inner ear contains the so-called "cochlea" - a complex sensory organ in which sound vibrations are converted into an electrical signal. An electrical impulse follows the auditory nerve into the brain, carrying coded information about the sound.

External otitis media

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the auditory canal. It can be diffuse, and can proceed in the form of a furuncle. When diffuse external otitis affects the skin of the entire ear canal. Furuncle is a limited inflammation of the skin of the external ear.

Average otitis media

With an average otitis inflammation occurs in the tympanum. There are many forms and variants of the course of this disease. It can be catarrhal and purulent, perforative and non-perforative, acute and chronic. When otitis can develop complications.

The most common complications of otitis media include mastoiditis (inflammation of the occipital bone of the temporal bone), meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes), abscess (abscess) of the brain, labyrinthitis.

Labyrinthite

Internal otitis almost never is an independent disease. Almost always it is a complication of the inflammation of the middle ear. Unlike other types of otitis, its main symptom is not pain, but hearing loss and dizziness.

Causes of otitis media

• After getting contaminated water - most often the external otitis occurs after the ingestion of water containing the causative agent of the disease into the ear. That is why the second name of this disease is "swimmer's ear".
• Injury of the skin of the external auditory canal - in addition to the presence of infection in the water, there must also be local conditions predisposing to development inflammation: microcracks of the skin, etc. Otherwise, every contact with unboiled water would result in the development of inflammation in the ear.
• Complication of SARS, sinusitis - in this case, the causative agent of middle otitis penetrates into the tympanum completely from the other side, the so-called rhinotubar path, that is, through the auditory tube. Usually, the infection gets into the ear from the nose, when a person is sick with ARVI, runny nose or sinusitis. In case of a serious inflammation of the middle ear, the infection can spread to the inner ear.
• With infectious diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypothermia against a background of reduced immunity, the risk of inflammation in the middle ear increases. Bruising through 2 nostrils (wrong), coughing and sneezing increase the pressure in the nasopharynx, which leads to the ingress of infected mucus into the middle ear cavity.
• Mechanical removal of earwax - it is a protective barrier against infections.
• High air temperature and high humidity.
• Contact with foreign objects in the ear.
• Use of hearing aids.
• Such diseases as seborrheic dermatitis on the face, eczema, psoriasis.
• The causes of development of acute otitis media are also genetic location, immunodeficiency states, HIV infection.

Pathogens of the disease

Pathogens of external otitis can be bacteria or fungi. Especially often found in the ear canal are microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus. For the fungi of the genus Candida and Aspergillus, the skin of the ear canal is one of the favorite places in the body: it's dark, and after bathing it's still wet.

The causative agents of otitis media, and therefore internal, can be viruses and bacteria. Fungal infection of the middle ear is also found, but much less often than the external one. The most common bacterial pathogens of otitis media are pneumococcus, hemophilic rod, moraxella.

The clinical picture is the symptoms of otitis

• Pain is the main symptom of otitis media. The intensity of pain can be different:
  • from barely perceptible to unbearable
  • character - pulsing, shooting

  It is very difficult, it is often impossible to independently distinguish painful sensations with external otitis from painful sensations with inflammation of the middle ear. The only clue can be the fact that with external otitis pain should be felt when touching the skin at the entrance to the ear canal.

• Hearing loss is a fickle symptom. It can be present with both external otitis media, and with an average, may be absent in both these forms of ear inflammation.
• Increase in temperature - most often there is an increase in body temperature, however, this is also an optional feature.
• Discharge from the ear with external otitis occur almost always. After all, nothing prevents the inflammatory fluid from escaping outward.

With the average otitis, if the perforation (hole) is not formed in the tympanic membrane, there is no secretion of their ear. The suppuration from the ear canal begins after the appearance of a communication between the middle ear and the auditory meatus.

I emphasize that perforation can not be formed even with purulent otitis. Patients suffering from otitis media often ask where pus will go if it does not break out. It's very simple - he will go out through the auditory tube.

• Ear noise (see Fig. causes of noise in the ears), ear congestion is possible with any form of the disease.
• When the inflammation of the inner ear develops, dizziness (causes) may appear.

Acute otitis media occurs in 3 stages:

Acute catarrhal otitis - the patient experiences severe pain, which increases by night, when coughing, sneezing, she can give in the temple, teeth, be stabbing, pulsating, drilling, hearing loss, appetite, weakness and high temperature up to 39C.

Acute purulent otitis - there is accumulation of pus in the middle ear cavity, followed by perforation and suppuration, which may be on day 2-3 of the disease. In this period, the temperature drops, the pain decreases, the doctor can make a small puncture (paracentesis), if there is no independent rupture of the tympanic membrane.

Restorative stage - suppuration stops, the defect of the tympanic membrane closes (fusion of the edges), the hearing is restored within 2-3 weeks.

General principles of diagnosis

In most cases, the diagnosis of acute otitis media does not cause difficulties. High-tech research methods are needed infrequently, the ear is well visible to the eye. The doctor examines the tympanic membrane with a head reflector (a mirror with a hole in the middle) through the ear funnel or a special optical device - the otoscope.

An interesting device for the diagnosis of otitis was developed by the famous corporation Apple. It is an oscopic attachment for the camera phone. It is assumed that with the help of this gadget, parents will be able to photograph the baby's eardrum (or their own) and send photos for consultation to their doctor.

Diagnosis of external otitis media

Examining the ear of a patient suffering from external otitis, the doctor sees redness of the skin, narrowing of the auditory canal and the presence of liquid secretions in its lumen. The degree of narrowing of the ear canal is such that the tympanic membrane is not visible at all. When inflammation of the external ear of other examinations except for the inspection is usually not necessary.

Diagnosis of otitis media and labyrinthitis

In acute inflammation of the middle ear, the main way to establish a diagnosis is also an examination. The main signs that allow diagnosing "acute otitis media" are reddening of the tympanic membrane, limitation of its mobility, and the presence of perforation.

• How is the mobility of the tympanic membrane checked?

People are asked to inflate their cheeks without opening their mouths, that is, "blowing their ears". This reception is called the maneuver of Valsalva, named after the Italian anatomist, who lived at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is widely used by divers and divers to equalize the pressure in the drum cavity in deep water descent.

When a jet of air enters the middle ear cavity, the eardrum moves slightly and this is noticeable with the eye. If the drum cavity is filled with inflammatory fluid, no air will enter it and the eardrum will not move. After the appearance of suppuration from the ear, the doctor can observe the presence of perforation in the tympanic membrane.

• Audiometry

Sometimes to determine the nature of the disease may need audiometry (hearing on the apparatus) or tympanometry (measurement of pressure inside the ear). However, these methods of hearing tests are more often used in chronic otitis media.

The diagnosis of the labyrinthitis is usually made when the acuteness of the middle otitis suddenly sharply decreases acuteness of the hearing and dizziness appears. Audiometry in this situation is mandatory. You also need an examination of a neurologist and an oculist.

• CT and X-ray

The need for X-ray studies occurs when there is a suspicion of complications of the disease - mastoiditis or intracranial infection. Fortunately, such cases are rare. In a situation where complications are suspected, a computer tomography of the temporal bones and brain is usually performed.

• Bacterial sowing

Do I need a smear to determine the bacterial flora? A unequivocal answer to this question is not easy. The problem is that, due to the peculiarities of bacterial culture, the response of this examination will be received 6-7 days after the removal of the smear, that is, by the time when the otitis is almost gone. Moreover, with a medium otitis without a perforation, a smear is useless, since the microbes are behind the tympanic membrane.

And yet a smear is better to do. In the event that the application of the first-line drug does not bring recovery, after receiving the results of a bacterial study, treatment can be adjusted.

Treatment of external otitis media

The main treatment for external otitis media in adults is ear drops. If a person does not have immunodeficiency (HIV infection, diabetes mellitus), antibiotics in tablets are usually not needed.

Ear drops can contain only an antibacterial drug or be combined - have an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory substance. The course of treatment takes 5-7 days. Most often for the therapy of external otitis media apply:

Antibiotics:

• Ciprofarm (Ukraine, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride)
• Normax (100-140 rubles, norfloxacin)
• Otofa (170-220 rubles, rifamycin)

Corticosteroids + antibiotics:

• Sophradex (170-220 rub., Dexamethasone, Framicetin, gramicidin)
• Candybiotic (210-280 rub., Beclomethasone, lidocaine, clotrimazole, Chloramphenicol)

Antiseptic:

• Miramistin (250-280 rubles, with a nebulizer)

The last two drugs also have antifungal properties. If the external otitis has a fungal origin, antifungal ointments are actively used: clotrimazole (Candide), natamycin (Pimafucin, Pimafucort).

In addition to ear drops, the doctor can recommend an ointment with the active substance Mupirocin (Bactroban 500-600 rub, Supirocin 300 rubles) for the treatment of external otitis media. It is important that the drug does not have a negative effect on the normal skin microflora, and there are data on the activity of mupirocin against fungi.

Treatment of otitis media and labyrinthitis in adults

Antibiotic therapy

The main treatment for middle otitis media is an antibiotic. However, the treatment of otitis antibiotics in adults is another controversial issue of modern medicine. The fact is that with this disease is very high percentage of self-recovery - more than 90%.

There was a period of time in the late 20th century, when on a wave of enthusiasm antibiotics were prescribed to almost all patients with otitis. However, it is now considered permissible the first two days after the onset of pain to dispense with antibiotics. If after two days there is no tendency to improve, then an antibacterial drug is already prescribed. For all types of otitis media may be required for oral administration.

In this case, of course, the patient must be under medical supervision. The decision on the need for antibiotics is very responsible and should only be taken by a doctor. On the scales on the one hand, the possible side effects of antibiotic therapy, on the other - the fact that every year in the world of complications of otitis deaths of 28 thousand people.

The main antibiotics, which are used in the treatment of otitis media in adults:

• Amoxicillin - Ospamox, Flemoxin, Amosin, Ecobol, Flemoxin solute
• Aamoxicillin with clavulanic acid - Augmentin, Flemoclav, Ecoclav
• Cefuroxime - Zinnat, Aksetin, Zinacef, Cefurus and other drugs.

The course of antibiotic therapy should be 7-10 days.

Ear drops

Ear drops are also widely prescribed for inflammation of the middle ear. It is important to remember that there is a fundamental difference between drops, which are prescribed before the perforation of the tympanic membrane and after its appearance. Let me remind you, the sign of perforation is the appearance of suppuration.

Before the appearance of perforation, droplets with an analgesic effect are prescribed. These include drugs such as:

• Otinum - (150-190 rub) - choline salicylate
• Otipaks (220 rubles), Otirelaks (140 rubles) - lidocaine and phenazone
• Otizol - phenazone, benzocaine, phenylephrine hydrochloride

Drops with an antibiotic does not make any sense to dig in this phase, as the inflammation goes behind the impenetrable eardrum for them.

After the appearance of the perforation, the pain passes and it is no longer possible to drip painkillers, as they can damage the sensitive cells of the cochlea. When a perforation occurs, access for drops inside the middle ear appears, so you can instill drops containing an antibiotic. However, ototoxic antibiotics (gentamicin, Framicetinum, Neomycin, Polymyxin B), preparations containing phenazone, alcohols or choline salicylate can not be used.

Drops with an antibiotic, the use of which is acceptable in the treatment of otitis in adults: "Tsiprofarm", "Normaks", "Otofa", "Miramistin" and others.

Paracentesis or tympanotomy

In some situations with inflammation of the middle ear may need a small surgical intervention - paracentesis (or tympanotomy) of the tympanic membrane. It is believed that the need for paracentesis arises, if the background of antibiotic therapy for three days, the pain still continues to bother the person. Paracentesis is performed under local anesthesia: a special incision in the tympanic membrane makes a small incision through which pus begins to exit. This incision is beautifully overgrown after the cessation of suppuration.

Treatment of labyrinthitis is a complex medical problem and is conducted in a hospital under the control of an ENT doctor and neurologist. In addition to antibiotic therapy, funds are needed to improve microcirculation inside the cochlea, neuroprotective drugs (protecting the nervous tissue from damage).

Prevention of otitis

Preventive measures for external otitis are the thorough drying of the ear canal after bathing. Also, avoid traumatizing the ear canal - do not use keys and pins as an ear instrument.

For people who often suffer from inflammation of the external ear, there are drops based on olive oil, which protect the skin when swimming in a pond, for example, "Vaxol".

Prevention of otitis media consists of general strengthening measures - hardening, vitamin therapy, administration of immunomodulators (drugs that improve immunity). It is also important to treat diseases of the nose in a timely manner, which are the main causative factor in inflammation of the middle ear.

zdravotvet.ru

How to treat otitis in adults: the main symptoms and diagnosis

Despite the fact that the inflammation of the hearing organs of an adult person is much less common than that of children, the question "how to treat otitis in adults" remains quite relevant and in demand.

There are many prerequisites for the development of the disease in adults, as well as in the case of sinusitis.

Even an elementary cold or hypothermia can turn into a serious form of otitis.

In addition, inflammation of the outer, middle or inner ear can be affected by the following factors:

• viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• viral diseases of the nasopharynx;
• neglected forms of the common cold;
• adenoids in the nasopharynx arch;
• violation of the rules of ear hygiene.

Depending on the infection of certain departments of the ear, otitis in adults and children is divided into three types:

• External otitis media: most often the cause of its occurrence is the accumulation of water in the ear canal, this form of the disease is often called "swimmer's ear."
• Average otitis media: mainly develops as a complication of the upper respiratory tract, this form is commonly referred to in the everyday life as "otitis."
• Internal otitis media: develops mainly on the background of neglected purulent inflammation, as well as infections.

In order to determine how to treat otitis in adults, it is necessary first to study the clinical picture, compare it with the characteristic symptoms of the disease, and also carry out a diagnosis.

The main symptoms of otitis in an adult are:

• feeling of stuffiness and noise in the ears;
• acute or aching pain in the ears;
• a sharp increase in temperature;
• partial hearing loss;
• headache;
• general weakness and malaise;
• lack of appetite;
• sleep disturbance;
• purulent discharge, possibly with an admixture of blood from the auditory canal.

It is important to know

Even the presence of the above symptoms does not give the right to engage in self-treatment, for the full diagnosis of the disease is urgently needed will seek help from an otolaryngologist who, with the help of special ENT equipment, will establish a definitive diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.

For the diagnosis of otitis, the doctor usually uses an overhead reflector in tandem with an ear funnel or a modern optical device called an otoscope. In most cases, the examination of the ear does not cause any difficulties, in the first place the eardrum, ear canal and auricle are subject to examination.

Thus, in the diagnosis of external otitis, redness of the skin in the ear, narrowing of the auditory passage, and the possible presence of fluid in the lumen is observed. In this case, the auditory canal can be narrowed so much that through it it is simply impossible to examine the eardrum.

On average, any inflammatory process in the ear (otitis) lasts up to two weeks, during this entire period In no case should the treatment process be stopped, even if there is a significant improvement. Otherwise, serious complications and the formation of chronic forms may occur.

How many otitis media are treated in adults with basic medication

Regardless of the nature of otitis, viral or bacterial, it must necessarily be treated. Passage of the disease itself can in rare cases, but it is quite likely that it will develop into chronic forms and complications with serious consequences. It is from the course of the prescribed therapy and it depends how much otitis is treated in adults in time.

One of the main means for treating the disease are ear drops in otitis.

They can be exclusively antibacterial or combined and consist of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory components. The course of treatment with such drops is 5-7 days, depending on the clinic of the disease.

Antibiotics are often used in the treatment of otitis media in adults, especially acute and purulent forms. The course of their treatment is 7-10 days, depending on the drug and the degree of complexity of the disease. In this case, treatment of otitis in adults and children at home by folk remedies is undesirable.

It is important to know

Take antibiotics should be exclusively after the appointment of a doctor strictly according to the scheme of the entire course. Even if after a few days of taking the symptoms of the disease significantly decrease or even disappear some of them, stop treatment of purulent otitis with antibiotics for adults and children is prohibited in order to avoid complications and repeated exacerbation of the disease.

Anesthetic for otitis in adults is another type of medication used to relieve the condition of particularly acute forms with pronounced pain.

Such treatment should be carried out necessarily under the supervision of the attending physician, not to cause allergic reactions and side effects.

Anesthesia therapy for otitis symptoms does not have a definite course of action and is used whenever necessary in each case.

In some cases, otitis media of the middle ear requires little surgical intervention. This procedure is called paracentesis or tympanotomy of the tympanic membrane. Usually it is performed when there is no improvement after antibiotic therapy during the first three days. The essence of it is to perform under the influence of local anesthesia in the tympanic membrane of a small incision, through which the pus accumulated in the ear can freely flow. After the cessation of discharge, the incision successfully heals and traces completely.

If there is no temperature in the otitis and there is no purulent discharge, often doctors recommend using dry heat - this can be folk methods of warming up at home or physical therapy.

Proceeding from the above-described factors, it becomes absolutely clear that it is impossible to give an unambiguous and precise answer to the question of how long otitis in adults lasts and how many days it is necessary to treat it.

The process of treatment and recovery depends on many factors, from the form of the disease, its clinical picture, ending correctly prescribed therapy, created conditions for the patient, not to mention the individuality of each individual human organism. One thing is obvious - the duration of the disease can be significantly reduced with timely treatment to the otolaryngologist and strict observance of all his prescriptions.

gajmorit.com

Treatment of otitis media in adults

Diseases of the ear cause a lot of trouble for a person. The term "otitis" is used to refer to any infections that penetrate the hearing organs. This disease can be internal, middle or external. The type of ailment depends on the part of the ear that is affected, and on the time of its destructive effect. How to treat otitis media in adults, it is necessary to know in order to relieve yourself of pain in time.

How to treat otitis media at home

To begin treatment of an otitis at adults, it is necessary with recognition of illness. With this disease there is pain, the ear starts to itch and shoot, inflammation occurs. Self-medication should not be dealt with, but manifestations of the symptoms of the disease should be immediately clearly noticed, in order to provide first aid. Symptoms of the disease are manifested by its type:

1. External otitis media. Characteristic pain in the organs of hearing, itching in the region of the auricle, purulent discharge and unpleasant odor. On the skin of the ear there is peeling, swelling and redness. In this case, a person normally hears.
2. Otitis media is divided into two groups. Acute suppurative otitis media is characterized by painful sensations inside the ear. The nature of the pain can be different: aching, stitching, throbbing. It is able to localize in the areas of the jaw, temple, nape. In addition, there is an increase in body temperature. If too much pus accumulates inside the ear, then the perforation of the tympanic membrane and the release of purulent formation can occur. Chronic form of the disease brings worsening of hearing, leads to complications. It is recognized due to the constant flow of pus.
3. Adhesive and allergic otitis. With such inflammation, there is a noise in the ears, a constant decrease in the level of hearing, a headache, weakness, the appearance of adhesions.
4. Internal otitis media is a complication of the middle. This type of ailment is not accompanied by pain, there is a loss of hearing and dizziness.

Treatment of otitis should begin with the appearance of the first symptoms, before complications can occur, and the disease does not change from acute to chronic. Cope with the disease you can and sitting at home, as prescribed by a doctor of suitable means. A large range of medicines is used for the fight:

• drops;
• compresses;
• antibiotics inside;
• homeopathic remedies;
• as a supporting therapy - folk remedies.

Ear drops

Cure the outer or middle otitis easily with the help of ear drops. By composition, such drugs can be single-component (contain only antibiotic) or bicomponent (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory substance). Examples of such drugs are Otoposarin, Polidex. Drops in the ears with otitis are considered to be an effective medication. There are many drugs designed to get rid of the disease. There are drops from otitis in adults, which are used more often than others:

1. "Normaks." In the composition - norfloxacin, auxiliary substances. Indications for use - external, medium (acute and chronic), internal otitis. To drip it is necessary on 1-2 drops 4 times / day in a sick ear. The price: 100-140 р.
2. "Otofa". Contains rifamycin sodium and other substances. Indications - external, medium acute, average chronic otitis media. Dosage of application - to drip in an ear on 5 drops 3 times / day. You can pour the medicine in your ear for about 2 hours. Price: 170-220 rubles.
3. Sofredex. The composition is rich: Framicetin sulfate, gramicidin, dexamethasone. It is used for otitis externa. Drip 2-3 drops 3-4 times / day. You can use compresses, laying the ear passage with a gauze swab with the medicine. The price: 290 р.
4. "Anotite." In the composition - levomitsetin, boric acid, lidocaine hydrochloride, auxiliary substances. Indications - external, purulent middle, purulent otitis media. It is applied on 4-5 drops 3-4 times / day. The price: 40-50 р.

Antibiotics

Such medications are required for an average, diffuse, secretory form of the disease, when some drops do not help. Antibiotics can be used to treat bilateral, viral and fungal otitis media. These drugs fight inflammatory processes that have arisen in the field of auditory organs, some are capable of anesthetizing. It is recommended not to take antibiotics for more than 5 days. Increase the effect of drugs through additional drugs or folk remedies. Among the antibiotics used to treat otitis media are:

• "Spiramycin" (take 2-3 times / day for 1 capsule, price: 205 rubles);
• "Ampicillin" (drink 4 times / day for 1 capsule, price: 22 rubles);
• "Ciprofloxacin" (inside 2 times a day for 1 capsule, price: 14 rubles);
• other popular antibiotics may be used.

Other medicines

In addition to the above listed tools, treatment of otitis media of the middle ear in adults and the external type of the disease is carried out using other affordable, inexpensive but effective methods. You can use boric acid or boric alcohol. The medium is heated to body temperature by lowering the vial into warm water. Then the medicine is digested into the ear passages by pipetting 3 drops. To prevent the drug from flowing, put cotton swabs in your ears. Boric acid in otitis relieves inflammation and pain syndrome, is suitable as a first aid in the manifestation of signs of the disease.

People's means

When some medicamental methods are not enough, proven methods of treating otitis in adults come to the rescue. People's means are great, each has a special effect. Such methods should be used correctly for the first symptoms or as part of a comprehensive therapy. Sometimes you can do only with folk remedies, but it is better to use medicines from the pharmacy. Here are some natural "preparations" for solving the problem:

1. Tincture of birch buds. To prepare, you need to insist 10 g of birch buds for 200 ml of vodka or alcohol. Use the medicine after a week. Obtain the product with a wet tampon and place it in your ear. To remove pain, several procedures are required.
2. Propolis tincture. The medicine will come to the rescue with severe pain. Preheat the preparation, drip 2 drops in both ear canals, then place in the ears cotton swabs. The remedy should be kept for 15-20 minutes.
3. Sugar smoke. Original remedy. Take a tin lid without gum, pour 1 tbsp. l. sugar and place on a burning stove. When the smoke appears, fold the newspaper into a tube, place it above the smoke, hold the ear to the hole. The procedure should be at least 5 minutes. After its termination, warm your ear.

Homeopathy

Herbal treatment is gradually gaining popularity in modern society. Not uncommon and homeopathic pharmacies. Each method of treating otitis in adults - homeopathy and herbal medicine - is considered quite safe. Nature is a storehouse of useful substances. Treat the disease with the help of herbs should be after a consultation with the doctor to prevent complications. What natural means to use:

• aconite - if there is a tingling and pain in the hearing;
• belladonna - with an average otitis, strong pulsating and tearing pains, buzzing, swelling near the ear;
• Pulsatilla - for recovery with a decrease in hearing, a sense of congestion in the ear canal, purulent and bloody discharge;
• at very strong pains - ferrum fostorika.

How to treat otitis in pregnant women

There are two important features that distinguish otitis treatment in pregnancy. The first is that the benefits to the body of the medicine must exceed the harm. Everything is done so that the fetus does not suffer. If the otitis media is severe and severe, antibiotics are prescribed. They should be chosen by the doctor in accordance with the timing and course of pregnancy. In time, untreated otitis results in perforation of the tympanic membrane. Catarrhal (exudative) otitis is treated easier - by blowing or pneumomassage, without perforating intervention.

For treatment of otitis in adults, local treatment is also prescribed. To do this, use turundochki, which are placed in the ear. Together with this device, a tampon moistened with the medicine is used. Please note that the drug was approved during pregnancy. Treatment prescribed by a doctor is allowed to be supplemented with folk remedies. Natural medicines will not only alleviate the symptoms, but will also benefit the body overall. Treatment of otitis during pregnancy should be approached with all responsibility.

Video: what to do when the ear hurts

Inflammation of the organs of the auditory system occurs frequently. Treatment is often effective and passes easily, but complications also arise. Everything depends on the place of origin and severity of the disease. Treat the infection in the hearing aid immediately so that severe complications do not appear. There are a lot of funds that can lead you to recovery. These are tablets, drops, ointments, decoctions, compresses. With a light otitis can help drop, if the case is more serious, you will have to take antibiotics. From the video below you will determine which means are best used in the complex.

sovets.net

External otitis in children and adults: symptoms and treatment

According to official statistics, otitis externa, the symptoms and treatment of which will be discussed in this article, are carried by 5 people per 1000 people worldwide every year. In 3-5% of people, this disease is observed in chronic form.

It was noted that, despite the prevalence among residents of all countries, this disease is more likely to be found in places with a warm and humid climate. In addition, the otitis of the external auditory canal is predisposed to the nationalities, in which this passage is narrow.

At its core, the described pathology is nothing more than an inflammatory disease developing in the field of the external ear sections, which are known to include the auricle, the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane.

This ailment is caused mainly by representatives of the bacterial genus, but there are other causes of the disease that will be described below.

External otitis, a photo of which can be seen below, is equally common in both men and women:

From the viewpoint of occupational morbidity, the development of the disease is characteristic primarily of people engaged in diving and / or swimming, as well as for other people who often get water in their ear.

The maximum incidence rate falls on the age from 7 to 12 years. Physicians associate this with the immaturity of the defense mechanisms and, of course, with the peculiarities of the anatomy of the child's ear. Outer otitis in a child is an actual pediatric problem.

Limited, diffuse, allergic and fungal otitis externa

In medicine, it is common to distinguish two main types of the described disease - it is limited external otitis and diffuse:

• A limited variant of the disease manifests itself as an inflammatory process of the hair follicle in the ear canal, or in the form of a furuncle. At the same time, this boil will not be visible from the outside. The patient can only guess about his presence. The basis of this conjecture is always pain, which is aggravated by chewing or touching the ear. After a couple of days, the abscess reaches its peak of maturity and bursts because of what the pain goes away.
• For the diagnosis of diffuse external otitis furuncle is not typical. The inflammatory process is more common and affects the entire auditory canal.

This form of the disease is further subdivided into three varieties, the names of which reflect the main culprit of their development.This includes: the bacterial form of the disease, caused mainly by group A streptococci, an allergic variant of the disease, which is based on an allergy, and fungal otitis externa, the causative factor of which are fungi.

Acute and chronic otitis media of the external ear

According to the clinical course, the described disease can be acute or chronic:

• Chronic external otitis develops, as a rule, as a result of the absence or insufficiency of therapy of the acute form of the disease. Also, quite often the reason is the regular cleaning of the ears with cotton buds. This leads to the removal of the protective layer of sulfur and as a consequence to traumas of the ear canal. The result of such processes is the coarsening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, the appearance of itching in the ears and the reduction of resistance to inflammation. The skin of the auditory canal thickens and overlaps its lumen.
• It is believed that if the acute otitis of the external ear recurred more than 4 times during a year or its duration is more than 4 weeks, then this is already a chronic form of the disease.

Otitis media of the middle ear and other causes of otitis media of the external auditory canal

In most cases, the causes of external otitis causes an infectious nature. First of all, they are bacteria and, in particular, staphylococcus, as well as fungi.

Predisposing to the development of this disease factors can be attributed to the constant moisture of the skin of the auditory canal.This condition becomes the reason that the skin protective barrier is broken:In normal for the skin of the auditory canal, an acid reaction is characteristic, with the help of which a reliable protection is created from penetration of infection, and under the influence of water, this acidity rapidly decreases and opens the way for microbes.

Of great importance is also the presence of small wounds, for example, scratches or cuts of the skin of the ear canal:they can easily be obtained by trying to clear the ear of sulfur, especially if it uses matches, hairpins or toothpicks and other unintended objects.

External otitis media also has its own risk factors:

• For example, the development of this ailment in children is facilitated by a skin pathology such as eczema, which is the cause of peeling and the appearance of erosions in the ear. A significant role in the formation of otitis belongs to the so-called sulfur plugs. This increases the risk of traumatizing the auditory meatus when trying to clean it, because many patients believe that they themselves can get rid of the plug.
• Another risk factor that can eventually cause external otitis media is the otitis media of the chronic middle ear. In this case, the introduction of infection is facilitated by the constant presence of a purulent discharge in the auditory canal.
• The risk of skin lesions in the area of ​​the auditory canal exists also in diseases accompanied by a decrease in immunity (say, diabetes mellitus), as well as with the narrowness of the auditory tube.

Signs of external ear otitis

The symptoms that arise when the disease is called otitis externa are, as a rule, observed only on one side. the disease is characterized by the defeat of one ear. Patients are concerned about persistent pain in the hearing organ itself or in its area. In this case, the pain is intensified by the movement of the tragus or the auricle as a whole.

There is a feeling of stuffiness of the ear and a clear decrease in its function:patients note that they are hearing impaired. The external auditory canal swells, the lymph nodes located in the ear area increase.

In the case of eczema or fungal damage, the above mentioned signs of external otitis may well be caused by an earache.

Furuncle with limited external otitis

With a limited version of external otitis, the first sign appearing in the patient is a throbbing pain, the intensity of which increases during conversation and / or chewing. If you push on the tragus or pull the ear, the soreness also increases.

Patients diagnosed with limited otitis externa ear symptoms usually do not include hearing impairment. It decreases only when the lumen of the auditory canal completely overlaps.

As mentioned above, the main sign of this form of the disease is furuncle. When examining the auditory canal on one of its walls you can notice flushing and swelling of the skin. After some time in the center of this area is formed softening, the boil is opened, which is accompanied by the release of pus.

Symptoms of acute diffuse otitis media

If there is diffuse acute external otitis, the symptoms developing in the patient differ somewhat from the manifestations with limited otitis. Pain in the ear is insignificant, it may be replaced by an itch, which sometimes is quite significant. Body temperature remains at normal level or slightly increases. Hearing is usually preserved and reduced only with significant swelling of the skin with the closure of the entire lumen of the auditory canal.

During examination of the ear canal, swelling, redness and thickening of the skin are revealed. When the process spreads to the tympanic membrane, a small amount of transparent secretions appears from the ear, the hearing decreases, the eardrum becomes hyperemic.

Diffuse external purulent otitis is characterized by the release of pus from the ear. The temperature is increased and the general condition of the patient suffers.

Complications of external ear otitis

Acute external otitis usually does not often lead to the development of any complications, but there is a small risk in this regard.

The result of this disease can become abscesses, and in simple words filled with pus and quite painful abscesses. They appear in those places where the ear infection with inflammation began. As a rule, such abscesses disappear on their own. Although in some cases, to speed up recovery, the doctor has to drain abscesses.

Complications of external otitis in the form of a narrowing of the external auditory canal are usually formed in patients with a chronic form of ear damage. As a result, such patients may worsen hearing or even complete deafness, but this is rare. The described constriction is easily treated with special drops. If they are appointed on time, then the hearing will later be all right.

External otitis in adults and children can lead to inflammatory processes, and sometimes to perforation of the tympanic membrane. This is due to the fact that in some cases, as a result of inflammation of the external ear, the fluid in the inner ear begins to accumulate. This fluid presses on the membrane and eventually breaks it, which is accompanied by loss of hearing, pain, ringing and viscous secretions from the ears.

In most cases, the membranes heal in a couple of months without any treatment. If this does not happen, then surgical intervention is prescribed.

How to treat external otitis media

When treating patients with a diagnosis of external otitis treatment, as a rule, includes the use of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. The most popular among such medicines were acquired by Garazon and Sofrex, combining both of these effects. However, it is not recommended to use them without prescribing a doctor, which should be remembered especially if the described disease affects the child. After all, wrong selection of medicines or failure to adhere to adequate measures for their use usually leads to undesirable consequences in the form of certain complications and / or side effects of the drugs.

With the diagnosis of otitis externa, treatment with antibacterial drugs is aimed at eliminating the infectious focus. In this case, due to the fact that the composition of almost all drugs used in addition to the main active substance includes still anti-inflammatory, as well as analgesic components, the patient gradually eliminated and pain. Such therapy of the described disease is most effective.

Complex treatment of acute external otitis media

In addition to the course of antibiotics, appointed strictly on the recommendation of the attending physician, in patients diagnosed with acute external Otitis treatment includes the use of warming compresses, and the elimination of nasal congestion, and increased immunity.

There was a time when with this disease the treatment with boric alcohol was widely used. This substance was moistened with turundas, which were then placed in the ear. However, these days this procedure is recognized as a gross error, because alcohol causes severe irritation and as a result intensifies the inflammatory reaction.

It must be remembered that the treatment of the described disease should be comprehensive.

Drops with external otitis, no matter how qualitative they were, can not eliminate inflammation. And if you only use them, then this will not be enough for a complete cure.

We must not forget about the hygienic procedures that must be performed according to a certain scheme, because incorrect use of them can lead to plug-in. In addition, a too moist environment can contribute to the development of microorganisms in the ear, so it is worth preserving this body from washing.

Treatment of a limited otitis externa ear with drops or ointment

When deciding how to treat external otitis of limited form, the first thing the doctor prescribes is usually antibacterial ointment or drops.

The first kind of medicinal forms is Triderm or Celestoderm:These drugs lubricate turunda and inject into the ear.

Of the most popular drops:Neomycin and Ofloxacin.

A careful treatment of the affected area should be performed before using these medications. This is usually done with silver nitrate.

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to eliminate pain.

Sometimes it is carried out as a treatment for external otitis in adults, an incision is made of the furuncle, followed by treatment with antiseptics and antibiotics.

To restore the immune system that is broken in the disease, vitamin therapy, autohemotherapy and immunocorrective therapy are prescribed.

Treatment of diffuse otitis in a child

Otitis of the outer ear of the diffuse type is also treated mainly by antibacterial drugs with the addition of multivitamins and immunocorrection.

In the ear injecting turuns with Burov ointment or hormonal ointments, instill antibacterial drops. In the presence of purulent discharge, the affected area is washed with a solution of antibiotics.

When the diagnosis of otitis externa in a child, the treatment must necessarily be controlled by the treating doctor. Independent attempts to cure a baby can lead to serious consequences.

Therapy,as a rule, is limited to conservative methods and is based on the same principles as treatment of the described ailment in adults: the use of drops and ointments based on antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicines.

In the case of occlusion of the auditory canal, the doctor performs manipulations aimed at clearing it of serous contents. After that, he carefully examines the eardrum. And after that, he makes the appointment of the necessary medicines.

NasmorkuNet.ru

Serous otitis in children and its treatment

Acute serous otitis is an ENT disease characterized by the accumulation of serous fluid in the ear cavity. Part of the inflammatory process is accompanied by a decrease in the severity of hearing and a sense of ear congestion, especially during swallowing. In the treatment of serous otitis media and medicines are prescribed in children and adults, and in some cases, surgical intervention is indicated.

Symptoms of serous otitis media

This inflammatory process, like otitis media, can have several forms of flow and manifestation. In the case when a serous fluid accumulates in the ear cavity, but no signs of an acute inflammatory process appear, specialists diagnose serous otitis. In other words, serous otitis is a weakly pronounced course of the inflammatory process.

When serous otitis in the ear cavity accumulates exudate - a serous fluid, which has a non-purulent character. A pathogenic secret is accumulated in the tympanum.

Recognize the acute average serous otitis in children and adults can be on such grounds:

• a feeling of stuffiness in the ear;
• hearing loss;
• feeling of pressure.

Often there is a stuffy ear when swallowing, otalgia can develop.

However, these symptoms are often not enough for accurate diagnosis, because such manifestations usually indicate other types of otitis. To determine the correct diagnosis, the otolaryngologists perform an examination of the tympanic membrane. With the development of serous otitis, its color is yellowish or grayish. To confirm the development of the inflammatory process, tympanometry is often used.

Older children and adults complain of ear pain and hearing loss. At an early stage of the disease, the tympanic membrane swells and, due to this, partially loses its mobility. At a later stage of serous otitis, the membrane retracts, becomes thickened, loses its former coloration, often on it a specialist can notice white spots on examination. In addition, with tympanometry, the otolaryngologist behind the membrane can see the level of fluid and air bubbles, while observing that the light reflex is broken or completely absent.

Causes of serous otitis media

Among the reasons that cause the development of this pathology, experts call such factors:

• violation of the functionality of the Eustachian tube;
• penetration of viruses;
• exposure to bacteria;
• the action of viruses and bacteria simultaneously.

Even the shortest dysfunction of the Eustachian tube in most cases becomes the cause of the development of the initial stage of serous otitis in children. This connecting body performs such functions as ventilation, protective, drainage. That is why the development of otitis media depends to a large extent on the condition of the auditory tube. The small and short Eustachian tube, as well as its almost horizontal position, lead to frequent recurrences of otitis in children.

Children attending pre-school or school educational establishments are in contact with a large number of people, so they are prone to frequent respiratory viral infections. It is known that the cold provokes the development of serous otitis, especially with a protracted runny nose.

Another common factor affecting the condition of the hearing organ in a child is allergic diseases of the respiratory system. As medical practice shows, otitis is more common in children suffering from year-round or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Also, you should not exclude food allergy, in children up to two years, most often there is such a reaction to milk.

Acute form of serous otitis

Despite the fact that serous otitis is characterized by a mild course, an acute form of the disease can occur. In this case, when performing tympanometry in the tympanum, a liquid of amber-yellow color is visible. Usually, such otitis occurs asymptomatically or with few symptoms, so diagnosis is very difficult. Often a disease is found in the late stages of its development, which is very dangerous for a person. The main symptom of an acute form of serous otitis may be a decrease in hearing, but the patient gradually becomes accustomed to this and does not notice the changes occurring.

Treatment of serous otitis in children and adults

Early diagnosis and identification of the causes of the disease is the key to successful treatment of acute serous otitis in children and adults. With the timely detection of the pathological process in the ear cavity, the chances of eliminating unpleasant and dangerous otitis symptoms by the method of conservative treatment are increased.

Such therapeutic measures should consist of such actions:

1. Do not feed infants in the "lying" position;
2. In case of allergic origin of serous otitis, it is necessary to exclude the contact of the sick person with the allergen;
3. During bathing, put on the head a special cap;
4. Regularly moisten the air in the room where the patient is.

In the treatment of acute serous otitis caused by an allergic reaction of the body, in parallel with symptomatic therapy, the administration of H-1 blockers is prescribed internally. Also, you need to take vasoconstrictive drugs, they will help to remove puffiness in the ear cavity and nasopharynx.

To remove puffiness in allergic rhinitis, otolaryngologists appoint cromolyn and corticosteroids to their patients. After such treatment of serous otitis, the functionality of the auditory tube is often restored.

A short course can be prescribed corticosteroids and vasoconstrictive agents for topical application. Corticosteroids, as a rule, are not used for systemic use. If serous otitis was caused by a bacterial or viral infection, antiviral and antibacterial agents are indicated for use.

Children are prescribed antibiotics such as:

• amoxicillin;
• ampicillin;
• erythromycin;
• cefaclor.

If there is a frequent reoccurrence of serous otitis - three times in six months, it is recommended to drink a course of antibiotics for preventive purposes.

In some cases, surgical treatment of serous otitis media is indicated. The operation becomes necessary with enlarged adenoids, when the overgrown tissue covers the opening of the auditory tube. Then an adenotomy is performed - an operation to remove adenoids. When the serous fluid is not itself removed from the tympanum, surgical intervention will also be required.

NasmorkuNet.ru

Similar articles