Many people know about such a disease as thrush (candidiasis). This fungal infection most often affects the genitals in adults and the mouth in children. In more rare cases, ear candidiasis occurs. This disease is otherwise called otomycosis. This pathology is much more difficult to treat than ordinary otitis media. Without treatment, otomycosis can lead to significant hearing loss. Next, we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatments for this disease.
Reasons
The direct causative agent of otomycosis is the yeast fungus Candida (Candida). This microorganism belongs to opportunistic pathogens. Normally, it is present on human skin, the fungus shows its pathogenic properties only with a strong decrease in immunity.
The following unfavorable factors can be identified that can trigger the occurrence of ear candidiasis:
- purulent otitis media;
- ear injuries and scratches;
- long-term antibiotic treatment;
- ear surgery;
- inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx and maxillary sinuses;
- diabetes mellitus;
- taking immunosuppressants: corticosteroids, cytostatics, drugs for tumor chemotherapy;
- thyroid disorders;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- HIV infection.
All these diseases and conditions lead to a weakening of the body's defenses and activation of the fungus. However, keep in mind that Candida loves moisture. Therefore, an increased risk of otomycosis is noted in those people whose working conditions are associated with exposure to water. These include dishwashers, laundry workers, as well as baths and saunas. The disease often develops in lovers of water procedures after water enters the ear.
In addition, yeast fungus actively grows in a sweet environment. Therefore, otomycosis often affects confectionery workers and patients with diabetes mellitus. The fungus can affect both the outer parts of the organ of hearing, and deeper ones. Therefore, the symptoms and treatment of ear candidiasis largely depend on the area of infection.
Ear canal injury
If the affected area is limited to the external auditory canal, then the symptoms may be mild. Pain syndrome is often absent. The patient complains of discomfort, noise and congestion in the ear. The patient is worried about severe unbearable itching in the ear canal.
If candidiasis is noted for a long time, then the patient more and more often lays the sore ear. Often, doctors mistake this for ordinary sulfuric plugs and do a flush. Due to exposure to moisture, the fungus grows even stronger and the symptoms of the disease worsen.
In advanced cases, the disease becomes chronic. The patient is worried about headache and swelling in the ear canal. If ear candidiasis arose as a result of otitis media, then pain syndrome, increased pus secretion and fever appear. Such symptoms indicate the spread of infection to the middle ear.
Middle ear
If the fungus affects the middle ear, it is always accompanied by shooting pain. The patient feels knocking and other sounds in the ears. From the auditory canal depart discharge in the form of a white cheesy mass. At the same time, there is no feeling of congestion and traffic jams in the ear, since the discharge has a liquid consistency. In severe cases, the integrity of the eardrum is broken. A fungal infection can spread to the skin around the ear. There is a lesion of the epidermis on the chin, cheeks and neck.
Candidiasis after surgery
Sometimes candidiasis of the ear occurs after surgery on the organ of hearing. For a long time after surgery, the patient has discharge from the ear canal. The postoperative wound does not heal for a long time. The use of antibiotics does not give any effect. The patient complains of noise and pain in the ear.
In children
Ear candidiasis in a child most often occurs before the age of 5 years. Childrenare especially susceptible to fungal infection, and otomycosis is severe in them. The baby's he alth deteriorates sharply, the temperature rises. The child constantly touches the affected ear with his hands. There is hyperemia of the skin of the face.
White discharge comes out of the ear canal, similar to lumps of cottage cheese. The ear canal and auricle become bluish and look swollen.
Diagnosis
Otomycosis is treated by an otolaryngologist. First of all, the specialist examines the ear using an otoscope. With an external ear lesion, redness of the auditory canal and white films are noticeable, which can be easily removed. If the fungal infection has affected the middle ear, then abundant white discharge is noticeable.
To confirm the diagnosis, a microscopic examination of a swab from the ear canal is performed. This analysis must be retaken after a course of therapy to ensure the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
Medicated treatment
Treatment of ear candidiasis begins with the cleansing of the ear canal from secretions. A solution of hydrogen peroxide is instilled into the ear, this helps to soften the masses. Then they are removed with a cotton swab. This procedure must be carried out daily, as the ears are quickly contaminated with curdled secretions. It is not recommended to wet the affected ear. In a humid environment, the fungus multiplies rapidly. During the adoption of water procedures and bathing, the ear canal should be plugged with a cotton swab and put on a rubberbeanie.
Treatment of candidiasis of the ears is carried out with the help of antifungal solutions and topical ointments. The following drugs are prescribed:
- "Pimafucin";
- "Exoderil";
- "Batrafen";
- "Lamisil";
- "Candibiotic".
These medicines inhibit yeast activity.
In severe cases, doctors recommend oral antifungal tablets:
- "Fluconazole";
- "Natamycin";
- "Nystatin";
- "Intraconazole".
If the disease is difficult to treat, then the drug "Amphotericin-B" is prescribed intravenously. Simultaneously with antifungal therapy, the appointment of multivitamin complexes is indicated to strengthen immunity.
The patient is advised to follow a diet during treatment. From the diet you need to exclude sweets and pastries. Glucose is a favorable environment for the reproduction of fungi. You should try to consume as many dairy products as possible, as well as sour fruits and berries (lemon, cranberries, lingonberries).
Folk remedies
Folk recipes for otomycosis can only be used as an addition to drug therapy. It is impossible to cure a fungal infection with home remedies alone.
Often, older people with ear inflammation instill boric alcohol into the ear canal. However, such a tool is not always useful. Bornayaacid, of course, has bactericidal properties, but this drug cannot effectively cope with the fungus. In addition, boric alcohol causes burning and other side effects, it should never be used in the treatment of candidiasis in the ear of a child.
Doctors recommend using the following remedies at home:
- Apple cider vinegar. This tool is used to treat the ear canal. Vinegar creates an unfavorable acidic environment for the fungus.
- Onions and garlic. From these vegetables you need to squeeze the juice and mix in equal parts. The remedy is instilled into the sore ear at night.
- Celandine juice. It can also be used as ear drops.
Conclusion
Otomycosis is a relatively rare disease. The fungus affects the ears only with a strong decrease in immunity. This pathology requires a rather long treatment. It is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible before the infection has affected the deep sections of the ear and the eardrum. This will help keep your hearing sharp.
