What is otitis media? This question is asked by many people, because this disease is extremely common. Pathology is accompanied by an inflammatory process in any part of the ear. The disease is accompanied by severe pain and in the absence of therapy leads to very dangerous complications.
Of course, many patients are looking for additional information about the disease. Why does the disease develop? What symptoms are worth paying attention to? What is dangerous otitis media in a child? What are the most effective treatments? Answers to these questions will be useful to many readers.
What is otitis media? General information about the disease
Otitis is called ear inflammation. It is worth noting immediately that the pathological process can affect both the outer, middle and inner ear.
In fact, this is a very common disease that is often encountered by both children and adults. In most cases, otitis media is a consequence of other pathologies, for example, runny nose or laryngitis. The fact is that the cavity of the middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tubes. If there is an inflammatory process in the tissues of the nose, tonsils or larynx, then pathogenic microorganisms can easily move to the middle ear cavity, and from there spread to the inner ear and even the meninges.
Causes of middle ear inflammation
According to statistics, in most cases, inflammation of the middle ear is not a primary disease, but occurs against a background of another pathology. The causes of otitis may be as follows:
- infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs (otitis media often develops against the background of rhinitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis);
- allergic reactions also belong to risk factors, as they are often accompanied by persistent edema of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages;
- various congenital and chronic pathologies of the nose, nasopharynx and sinuses (for example, the formation of adenoids, curvature of the nasal septum);
- injuries of the auricle, eardrum;
- local or general hypothermia, a sharp decrease in the activity of the immune system.
The cause of otitis media in children can be viral diseases, in particular measles, flu, scarlet fever.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms of otitis media are very characteristic:
- As a rule, the first sign is a sharp, shooting, unexpectedly occurring pain in the ear. In most cases, discomfort intensifies in the evening and at night. Often the pain spreads to the temple, in the jaw area. It is very difficult to cope with such sensations even for an adult.
- In addition, tinnitus periodically appears, the patient’s hearing is gradually reduced.
- Otitis media is often accompanied by fever. Body temperature rises to 39 degrees.
- Symptoms of intoxication are also present - a person becomes weak, lethargic, loses his appetite.
- Transparent, yellowish or purulent discharge from the ear is possible.
Having noticed such symptoms in yourself, you need to contact the otolaryngologist as soon as possible.
Stages of the development of the disease
Otitis media in adults (as well as in children) develops in several stages, each of which is accompanied by certain signs:
- The catarrhal stage is, in fact, the initial stage of the inflammatory process. Propagation of pathogenic bacteria leads to catarrhal edema.
- The exudative phase is accompanied by the formation of exudate. The secret accumulates, creating the conditions for more intensive reproduction of bacteria.
- Purulent stage is accompanied by an accumulation of purulent masses. During this period, patients complain of a feeling of pressure and ear congestion.
- In the absence of treatment, the perforated stage occurs - under the pressure of purulent masses, the tympanic membrane breaks, the appearance of secretions is observed. As a rule, after this the patient feels relief. Body temperature returns to normal, pain gradually disappears.
- The reparative phase is accompanied by tightening of the tissues of the tympanic membrane.
External ear inflammation
You already know what otitis media is. But it is worthwhile to understand that inflammation can affect any part of the ear. Often patients go to the doctor with the so-called external otitis media. The disease is accompanied by inflammation of the skin of the auricle and external auditory canal and, as a rule, is associated with infection of tissues by bacteria or fungal microorganisms. Risk factors in this case include:
- scratches and other injuries of the auricle;
- local hypothermia (observed, for example, when a headdress is abandoned in the winter);
- too frequent and thorough removal of earwax (sulfur performs important protective functions);
- water entering the ear canal, especially when it comes to contaminated fluids (for example, when swimming in a dirty pond).
The main symptom is soreness of the affected tissues, which intensifies during pressure. Inflammation of the sebaceous glands is possible, as a result of which painful boils form on the skin. The tissues swell, acquire a reddish tint, become hot to the touch.
Otitis media of the inner ear. Features of the clinical picture
Labyrinthitis is the most dangerous form of otitis media. The disease is accompanied by inflammation of the inner ear and requires complex therapy (often conservative treatment is combined with surgical intervention).
Patients with this form of the disease suffer not only from sharp pains, but also from serious hearing impairment, various vestibular disorders. In the absence of timely treatment, the inflammatory process can spread to the auditory nerve, which often leads to its degeneration and hearing loss. In addition, there is a high risk of damage to the meninges and the formation of an abscess in the brain.
Possible complications
According to statistics, the ailment most often responds well to drug therapy. However, if the treatment is carried out incorrectly or if it is not carried out, the disease can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when it comes to otitis in a child. A list of possible complications is worth reading:
- In the absence of therapy, the ailment can go into a protracted form. Chronic otitis media is latent, but difficult to treat.
- The inflammatory process often spreads to the nerve structures and meninges. Especially when it comes to otitis media in a child. The list of complications includes hydrocephalus, encephalitis, meningitis and even brain abscess.
- There is a chance of developing paresis of the facial nerve.
- If otitis media is accompanied by the formation of a large amount of pus and a violation of the discharge of purulent masses, then there is a possibility of rupture of the eardrum, which is extremely dangerous.
- Sometimes, against the background of the disease, a cholesteatoma appears - a benign cyst formed by keratin and dead epithelial cells.
- Since the ear and digestive tract organs are innervated by some common nerve fibers, sometimes otitis media is accompanied by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The patient suffers from bloating and nausea, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea occur.
- The inflammatory process can affect the mastoid process. This is how mastoiditis develops - a dangerous disease that, if untreated, leads to the destruction of the auditory ossicles.
- There is a likelihood of persistent hearing impairment, the development of hearing loss, sometimes up to complete irreversible deafness.
That is why in no case should you ignore such a disease or try to cope with it at home. Unfortunately, sometimes the clinical picture is blurred. For example, if otitis media in a child is accompanied by digestive disorders, and ear pain is very mild, there is a high probability that a small patient will not receive the necessary treatment.
Diagnostic measures
Diagnosis of otitis media, as a rule, is not difficult for an experienced specialist. Already during the external examination, you can notice signs of inflammation. If we are talking about external otitis media, then you may notice redness and swelling of the auricle. With inflammation of the middle ear, you can notice swelling of the ear canal, as well as traces of exudate or pus.
Sometimes the patient is additionally referred for audiometry - this procedure allows you to determine the acuity of hearing. A study is mandatory for suspected damage to the inner ear or the development of chronic otitis media.
Bacterial culture is carried out if the usual antibiotics do not give the desired effect. The fact is that such a study lasts about 6-7 days. If you start treatment only a week after the onset of symptoms, then the likelihood of developing complications is high. That is why doctors first prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics. Identification of the pathogen is carried out only if therapy has been ineffective.
Radiography and computed tomography of the head are performed if otitis media is associated with complications, for example, the formation of an abscess in the brain.
Treatment of external inflammation
As a rule, treatment of external otitis media is carried out using ear drops. In addition, antiseptic drugs are used, for example, drops or Miramistin ointment. In the event that inflammation is associated with the activity of fungal microflora, then antifungal ointments or creams, for example, Pimafucort and Candide, are included in the treatment regimen.
In the most severe cases, it is advisable to take antibiotics, in particular, Normax, Otof, and Ciprolet. Combined drugs, which contain both antibacterial substances and corticosteroids, give good results. For example, a medicine such as Sofradex contains gramicidin, framycetin, dexamethasone.
Otitis media. Treatment in adults and children
Many people face such an unpleasant problem as ear inflammation. How to treat otitis media? How long does the therapy take? These questions are of interest to many patients.
In medical practice, doctors often prescribe antibiotics for otitis media. The most commonly used drugs are Amoxicillin, Ecobol, Flemoxin, Augmentin, Flemoklav, Cefuroxime. It is immediately worth noting that antibacterial agents are often prescribed for children, since small patients are much more difficult to tolerate such a disease. In adults, according to statistics, in 90% of cases, otitis media also passes without the use of antibiotics.
A mandatory part of therapy is the use of ear drops. Of course, only a doctor can choose such drugs, since such drugs vary in composition and properties. If the eardrum is intact, then most often drops such as Otizol, Otinum, Otipaks are used, which contain painkillers (benzocaine, lidocaine). If the eardrum is perforated, then drops with antibiotics are used - there is no need for painkillers, since after the release of purulent masses, unpleasant sensations pass.
It is worth saying that with otitis media, medicines that contain ethyl alcohol are categorically contraindicated, as this will only damage the ear tissue.
As a rule, the symptoms of the disease begin to subside after 2-3 days after the start of therapy. The course of treatment, as a rule, lasts 6-7 days (if there are no complications). If the patient’s condition does not improve, then it is necessary to inform the doctor about this.
Surgical intervention
Sometimes the ailment is accompanied by the formation of a large amount of pus, which accumulates behind the eardrum. The symptoms of otitis media in this case are aggravated - patients suffer from sharp, sharp pains. There is a high probability of the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the blood. It is in such cases that doctors carry out the operation. Surgery is also indicated:
- if no improvement is observed within three days after the start of antibiotic therapy, suppuration does not subside;
- there is inflammation of the inner ear;
- the inflammatory process affects the facial nerve;
- the infection spreads to the meninges.
Paracentesis is performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor makes a neat puncture in the thinnest section of the eardrum, thus creating a path for the outflow of purulent masses. As a rule, tissues heal quickly, and only a small scar remains at the puncture site. The damage from the surgical incision of the tympanic membrane is less than from its natural rupture.
Folk remedies
Is it possible to treat otitis media at home? Of course, traditional medicine offers some means to help cope with pain and other unpleasant sensations:
- Some healers recommend using diluted hydrogen peroxide (15 drops of peroxide must be diluted in 25 ml of water). In the ear canal, 5 drops of the mixture should be instilled, then lie down on its side for 10-15 minutes. Next, the head must be tilted in the other direction in order to remove the remaining liquid. This procedure is prohibited if there is perforation of the eardrum.
- Effective is considered a decoction of bay leaf, which has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immunostimulating properties. 5 dried leaves of the plant should be poured with a glass of water, brought to a boil, and then insisted for two hours (it is advisable to keep the solution in a thermos). In a sore ear, you need to drip 3 drops. The procedure is repeated 3-4 times a day.
What is not worth doing?
Otitis is a serious disease that should not be ignored. Any unconventional methods or home medicines can only be used with the permission of a doctor. Here is a list of procedures and tools that should not be used:
- instillation of ears with alcohol or alcohol tinctures is contraindicated (this substance has practically no effect on pathogenic microorganisms, but it burns and irritates the tissues of the ear and can even lead to perforation of a thinned eardrum);
- you can not do warming compresses without the permission of a doctor (heating under certain conditions only stimulates the reproduction of otitis media, increases the volume of purulent masses);
- do not use undiluted juice of aloe, garlic, onion for instillation, as they only irritate the skin of the ear canal;
- abscesses cannot be opened with inflammation of the external bond;
- In no case should you try to open the tympanic cavity yourself - this is fraught with hearing loss.
Otitis Prevention
You already know what otitis media is, why pathology develops and what symptoms are accompanied. Specific prevention, alas, does not exist. But, following some recommendations of specialists, it is possible to significantly reduce the likelihood of an inflammatory process:
- All potentially dangerous diseases of the ENT organs (including runny nose and sinusitis) need to be treated promptly and correctly - this will prevent the infection from entering the ear cavity. The same applies to the removal of adenoids.
- Rinse your nose and sinuses only with the permission of a doctor.
- It is important to strengthen the immune system, maintain fluid balance in the body.
- Remember that the optimal room temperature is 18-20 degrees Celsius.
- In the house, as well as in the workplace, you need to maintain an optimal level of humidity. Regular wet cleaning is important.
- Do not give up antipyretic drugs if severe fever occurs.
And, of course, at the first alarming symptoms you need to go to the doctor. Otitis in adults and children can be very dangerous - it is impossible to ignore its symptoms in any case.