Otitis is a disease that is associated with inflammation of the outer, middle or inner ear. Pathology often develops in childhood due to weak immunity against the background of respiratory ailments. People who have faced a similar problem often have the question of whether it is possible to walk with otitis media. It all depends on the form of the disease and the stage of the pathological process.
Otitis externa
The pathological process is associated with inflammation of the outer ear. The disease can occur in diffuse or limited form. The second option is most common. The outer ear is the peripheral part of the hearing aid. The auditory meatus consists of the bony part, the cartilaginous part and the auricle.
With limited otitis media, a local purulent-inflammatory process develops in the area of the hair follicle. In fact, this is a boil inside the auricle. Walking with otitis media of this form is possible if the general well-being of the child remains satisfactory. It is important not to bring a secondary infection into the affected area. Therefore, during a walk, you should cover the area of the boil with cotton wool, put on a hat.
Diffuse external otitis media is considered dangerous. Inflammation in this case covers the cartilage and bone tissue. The child may complain of severe pain, overall health worsens. The patient may increase body temperature up to 40 degrees Celsius. Is it possible to walk with otitis media in this case? Absolutely not! Moreover, with a rapid deterioration in well-being, the patient should be hospitalized.
Labyrinthitis
This term is called inflammatory damage to the structures of the inner ear. Such a disease develops when an infection gets from other foci in the body. Most often, pathogenic microflora spreads with a blood stream. Often, internal otitis media develops as a complication of sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and other respiratory diseases. Labyrinthitis can also be a consequence of otitis media.
The risk of developing a pathological process increases with an ear injury if the eardrum is damaged. Thus, a hole appears for the infection to enter from the external environment. What will be walks with otitis media in this case? Reviews show that labyrinthitis leads to the development of severe dizziness, the vestibular apparatus suffers. The patient fails to lead a full-fledged lifestyle. Walking on the street is impossible until the state stabilizes.
Intense dizziness may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Such symptoms are a reason for immediate hospitalization.
Acute otitis media
With fast-flowing inflammation of the middle ear cavity, walks are prohibited. The patient has a pronounced pain syndrome, a foreign body feeling in the ear, hearing is significantly reduced. Otitis media is the most common form of the pathological process. Inflammation is equally common in both men and women. Often, the disease is diagnosed in small patients against a cold.
In most cases, the disease causes streptococcal infection. Also, inflammation can be a consequence of the rapid multiplication of staphylococcus or enterococcus. Less commonly, the disease develops due to pathogenic fungi. In this case, the diagnosis of otomycosis is made.
Acute otitis media in a child of the first year of life is a reason for hospitalization. Walking on the street is out of the question. It is important to prevent the spread of infection and the development of dangerous complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, etc.
Eustachitis
This is another type of otitis media. The disease is associated with an inflammatory lesion of the auditory tube, as a result of which the ventilation of the tympanic cavity worsens, and unpleasant symptoms develop. The main cause of the pathological process is the spread of infection from the nasopharynx. The disease often develops as a complication of the common cold in the absence of adequate treatment. Both bacteria and viruses can act as infectious agents.
Against the background of prolonged inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, chronic otitis media of the Eustachian tube develops. Heaviness in the head, hearing loss, and congestion in the ears are the main symptoms of the disease. Is it possible to walk with otitis media in this form? Chronic eustachitis is not a contraindication for walking. But in the acute form of the disease, when the patient's well-being worsens, it is recommended to stay at home. At elevated body temperature and symptoms of general intoxication, it is recommended to observe bed rest.
Exudative otitis media
This is a chronic non-purulent inflammation of the mucous membrane of the middle ear. In otolaryngology, such otitis media is also called serous. The disease most often develops due to a violation of the drainage function of the auditory tube. This form of otitis media often develops due to untimely cured acute eustachitis. Due to a violation of normal air permeability, secretion glands (exudate) begin to form on the mucous membrane of the middle ear. In the eardrum, fluid accumulates, impairing hearing.
In children, this form of the disease can develop against a background of chronic runny nose or adenoiditis. Allergic rhinitis, malignant or benign tumors of the nasopharynx, curvature of the septum, various inflammatory diseases that cause swelling of the mucosa can also provoke the formation of pathological fluid. Chronic exudative otitis media develops in children with congenital anomalies in the structure of the skull ("cleft palate", "cleft lip").
Is it possible to walk with otitis exudative? Pathology is chronic, characterized by periods of remission and exacerbations. If the patient is feeling normal, you can go outside. But during exacerbations, a walk can exacerbate the situation.
Purulent otitis media
Purulent inflammatory process in the middle ear cavity is a dangerous complication. If it is not possible to get rid of inflammation within a few weeks, the disease becomes chronic. Statistics show that chronic purulent otitis media affects 2% of the adult population of the planet. In 60% of cases, patients have a persistent hearing loss. However, this is not the only danger. Chronic purulent processes often lead to the spread of infection throughout the body. Diseases that threaten the death of the patient may develop.
Is it possible to walk with otitis, go to the bath? If the disease develops in a purulent form, any thermal procedures are contraindicated even during remission. If the disease goes into an exacerbation phase, it is necessary to abandon walking on the street.
Adhesive otitis media
Chronic inflammatory process in the middle ear can lead to education. adhesions. In this case, they talk about the development of adhesive otitis media. Noise in the ear and gradually decreasing hearing are the main complaints that the patient makes. The patient develops an initial stage of hearing loss.
Is it possible to walk outside with otitis without temperature? If the disease develops in an adhesive form, there is no reason to refuse to visit the street.
Features of the treatment of otitis media
The treatment technique is selected based on the individual characteristics of the patient's body, as well as the form of the pathological process. If the patient has no symptoms of general intoxication, the body temperature is not elevated, it is quite possible to go out into the fresh air. The patient can visit the clinic daily for outpatient treatment.
With external otitis media, conservative therapy is carried out at an early stage. At home, you can wash the inflamed area with an antiseptic. Good results are shown by infrared irradiation of the affected area. If the inflammatory process does not subside within a few days, a specialist can open the resulting boil.
When should otitis be treated with antibiotics? Such therapy is most often prescribed for exacerbation of the pathological process. Otitis media in purulent form is always treated with antibacterial drops. With the inflammatory process started, drugs for systemic administration are prescribed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve symptoms of general intoxication.
After the acute inflammatory process subsides, procedures are performed on an outpatient basis to improve the functions of the auditory tube - pneumomassage, blowing. In addition, physiotherapy is prescribed: UV, UHF, laser therapy, electrophoresis.
Otitis media: myths and reality
Often, the disease becomes chronic due to improper treatment. What is absolutely impossible to do with otitis media? First of all, it is necessary to abandon alternative methods of treatment without consulting a doctor. Instillation of vegetable oil, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide in the ear - all this can only do harm.
You should not be limited to walks in the fresh air if the disease proceeds in a chronic form and the patient feels relatively well.
The main myth - otitis can be cured independently without going to the doctor. Incorrect therapeutic actions may help clear up unpleasant symptoms. But the inflammation itself, most likely, will not go away.