Inflammation of the ears is a fairly common disease. And it’s not a secret for anyone that most often children suffer from otitis. Therefore, many parents are interested in questions about what this disease is associated with and how to treat it.
Ear inflammation: causes
To begin with, it is worth saying that distinguish external, middle and internal otitis media, which are accompanied by inflammation of the corresponding department of the auditory analyzer. The cause of the inflammatory process in most cases is a bacterial infection. Pathogens can enter the ear directly from the external environment. For example, otitis externa can cause injury, a scratch on the auricle, or damage to the outside of the ear canal.
In addition, the source of infection can be localized in the body. Yes, quite often, otitis media occurs against a sore throat, colds, tonsillitis, sinusitis. Activation of pathogenic microflora contributes to a weakening of the immune system, vitamin deficiency, as well as some diseases that increase the susceptibility of the body to various infections.
Inflammation of the ears and its symptoms
In fact, the signs of the disease directly depend on which part of the ear was affected. But, besides this, in almost every case, acute otitis media is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature, weakness, and body aches.
- Inflammation of the outer ear is characterized by swelling and redness of the auricle, as well as soreness, which intensifies with every touch or pressure. In some cases, the inflammatory process can be focal, then a noticeable abscess (boil) forms on the ear cartilage.
- Otitis media is accompanied by sharp, shooting pains in the ear, as well as congestion and hearing loss. Soreness increases with chewing or swallowing, a sharp turn of the head, pressure on the ear canal. Young children refuse to eat, become restless, constantly cry and cry out sharply. With a purulent form of the disease, abundant discharge of their ear is observed, which is a mixture of purulent masses and sulfur.
- Inflammation of the inner ear is most severely transferred, since it is here that the organ of equilibrium is located. The disease can be accompanied by a decrease in hearing, bouts of dizziness and nausea, a disturbance in the sense of balance, and tinnitus.
Of course, each type of disease has its own characteristics. Nevertheless, at the slightest suspicion of ear inflammation, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist. In the absence of competent and timely assistance, otitis media can lead to dangerous complications, including complete or partial deafness.
Inflammation of the ears and methods for its treatment
In fact, otitis media is quite easy to treat, especially if you start therapy in the early stages. If the patient has a fever, and there is reason to believe that the cause is a bacterial infection, then antibiotics for ear inflammation are simply irreplaceable. Along with this, ear drops are used, which have antiseptic and analgesic properties. Otinum, Otipax and some other drugs are considered effective.
Quite often, otitis media is associated with nasal congestion and reddening of the throat. In such cases, it is necessary to use local antiseptics (“Oracept”) and nasal drops. At elevated temperatures, it is possible to take antipyretic drugs, in particular drugs that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, since these substances also have anti-inflammatory properties.
As a rule, earache disappears only 1-3 days after the start of treatment.