My ear is inflamed, what should I do? This is of interest to so many people who suffer from severe pain in the ear canal. It causes significant discomfort to a person, causes severe irritation. Especially often inflammation occurs in children, which is explained by the underdevelopment of the Eustachian tube. This makes it easier for pathogens to enter the ear canal.
Treatment can be started only after the cause of the disease is established, therefore, it is necessary to visit a doctor for diagnostics in case of pain, temperature and other signs of inflammation.
Causes of inflammation
Inflammation in the ear develops as a result of the penetration of pathogens into the Eustachian tubes, and then into the middle ear. Among the main reasons are the following:
- infection with viruses and bacteria;
- inflammation of the nasopharynx;
- complication after flu and cold;
- mechanical damage to the ear;
- sinusitis.
To diagnose and prescribe the requiredtreatment, you definitely need to know why the ears become inflamed, and how exactly the symptoms manifest themselves. Inflammation quite often acts as a complication of infectious and viral diseases, including sinusitis. The main risk group also includes people with chronic sinusitis, patients with diabetes and immunodeficiency.
Classification of otitis media
Otitis ICD 10 H65 is an inflammation of the ear that develops as a result of the penetration of pathogens into the Eustachian tube. This disease can be divided into several groups, namely:
- outer;
- medium;
- internal.
Inflammation of the external ear is mainly manifested in the form of a boil. Sometimes the infection reaches the eardrum.
Otitis media is characterized by inflammation in the deeper structures of the ear. It is divided into such types as:
- catarrhal;
- purulent;
- serous.
According to the speed of development, it can be acute, subacute and chronic. Inflammation of the inner ear is quite rare. The infection can penetrate deep into the ear during the course of otitis media along with the blood flow. Depending on which pathogen caused the inflammation, it is divided into viral, fungal and bacterial.
Otitis externa
Otitis externa is characterized by inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the outer ear canal. With local inflammation, which manifests itself in the form of a boil, local medications are used. If formedabscess, surgery may be required. In this case, the boil is opened and the cavity is drained.
Many are interested in if the ear is inflamed, what to do and how to eliminate the pain. The basis of therapy is the use of antibacterial drugs. They can be prescribed in the form of drops. Alternatively, gauze swabs can be used as this will help keep the medication in place.
Otitis media
Mean non-purulent otitis media (ICD 10 H65) is characterized by the fact that inflammation occurs in the middle ear. Treatment is differentiated. The effectiveness of therapy largely depends on the stage at which it is used. Preparations are selected purely individually, depending on:
- forms of the course of the disease;
- general well-being;
- symptoms.
Catarrhal inflammation is characterized by the course of the pathological process mainly in the auditory tube. A slight increase in temperature is also possible. Treatment begins with eliminating the cause of the inflammation.
To remove pain, painkillers are prescribed, in particular, Otinum drops. They are inserted into the ear canal in a heated form.
Serous inflammation can be almost asymptomatic. In this case, only hearing loss is observed. Fluid, accumulating in the middle ear, leads to a violation of auditory functions. To pump out the accumulated serous fluid, blowing, shunting, or making a small hole in the tympanicmembrane. If there is an allergy, antihistamines are prescribed.
Purulent otitis is characterized by acute inflammation of the tympanic cavity. Bacteria enter the middle ear through the Eustachian tube. This provokes the accumulation of pus in the ear cavity. As a result, the eardrum bursts and pus flows out.
If the ear is inflamed inside, then you need to apply antibacterial drops that will help eliminate pain and inflammation. If otitis occurs with an increase in temperature, then antipyretic drugs are required. After normalization of the temperature, heating can be carried out.
Be sure to take antibacterial drugs for inflammation of the ear, in particular, such as "Amoxiclav" or "Amoxicillin". If there is intolerance to these funds, then they are replaced with Sumamed, Doxycycline, Rovamycin. When pus is released and complications occur, the drugs are injected.
Chronic otitis media
The chronic form occurs when the acute form is treated incorrectly or untimely. In the chronic course of the disease, restorative treatment is used. Its main task is to increase the body's resistance to various kinds of negative factors. To do this, the ENT often prescribes UV irradiation.
If this form of the disease is not treated, it can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Main symptoms
Among the main symptoms of ear inflammation, the following should be highlighted:
- pain;
- inflammation or redness of the ear;
- itchy skin inear;
- skin peeling;
- hearing loss;
- purulent discharge from the auricle.
Inflammation can have a significant impact on overall well-being. As a result of the development of infection, headache, fever and nausea may occur. When the disease becomes chronic, the pain subsides somewhat, but pus is released regularly. The person has a constant headache and feels a little nauseous.
Diagnostics
If the ear is inflamed, what to do, only a qualified doctor can tell about this after a comprehensive diagnosis. To make a correct diagnosis, an ENT consultation is required. The specialist initially examines the diseased ear, and if necessary, he will additionally prescribe a general blood test to make sure there is inflammation.
Audiometry is required to determine the complexity of the lesion and the degree of hearing loss. An additional examination with the help of an audiograph is assigned to check the air patency.
If the patient has discharge of pus from the ear, then in this case, microscopic and bacterioscopic examination is required to identify pathogens. The study can last 3-4 days. The results allow for optimal treatment.
Features of therapy
If the ear is inflamed, what to do, only an ophthalmologist can say for sure after a comprehensive diagnosis. The doctor selects a specific method of therapy for each patient. It is worth noting that in anycase, treatment should be comprehensive. For the treatment of external otitis requires:
- careful hygiene care;
- antibacterial and antiviral agents;
- vitamin therapy;
- antipyretic;
- antiallergics.
Be sure to protect your ear from water. Treatment of otitis media can be carried out at home or in a hospital, it all depends on the degree of the course of the disease. For therapy use:
- vasoconstrictive nasal drops;
- antibacterials;
- drops in the ear from inflammation;
- antipyretic drugs;
- physiotherapy;
- blowing.
In some cases, a puncture of the eardrum, removal of adhesions and tympanoplasty are prescribed. With serous otitis, the auditory tube is blown. If this technique is ineffective, shunting may be prescribed. To do this, a small hole is made in the eardrum, then a shunt is inserted through which the purulent contents are removed and drugs are injected.
Internal otitis is treated only in a hospital setting. For this, antibiotic therapy, decongestants are used. Be sure to observe bed rest. The doctor also prescribes symptomatic therapy and surgical treatment.
Many people wonder if it is possible to heat the ear with a blue lamp, and whether this will provoke complications. Heating can be carried out only in the absence of temperature and pus, since inotherwise, only aggravation of the course of the disease is possible.
Drugs for adults
If the ear is inflamed, how to treat - many patients are interested in pain and discomfort in the affected area. Therapy must be carried out on an outpatient basis. The treatment regimen largely depends on the stage and form of inflammation. In the absence of purulent discharge, therapy is carried out only with the help of local remedies, ear drops are used.
In case of an abscess, antibiotics are prescribed for otitis media in adults. Among the most popular antibacterial and antiseptic drops, you need to highlight the following:
- "Tsipromed";
- "Normax";
- Sofradex;
- Otipax.
"Sofradex" - a combination drug based on antimicrobial agents and corticosteroids. These ear drops have the desired result at the initial stage of the course of the disease, until pus begins to accumulate in the middle ear. For treatment, 2-3 drops of the drug are used 4 times a day. The course of therapy averages 4-5 days.
Tsipromed drops are a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that helps to quickly eliminate inflammation caused by pathogens. You need to apply 1 drop 3 times a day.
Otipax drops have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The drug in its composition contains lidocaine and phenazole. Drops are used for acute otitis media, as they helprelieve pain very quickly. Severe suppuration may require oral antibiotics.
Often, broad-spectrum antibiotics are additionally used for otitis media in adults. This combination will help minimize the risk of complications and the transition of the disease into a chronic form.
Drugs for children
When you find signs of otitis media in a child, be sure to try to alleviate the pain. Then consult a doctor who will select the appropriate treatment. As antipyretics, it is recommended to use "Pavnadol", "Nurofen". In addition, antibacterial, antihistamines are prescribed.
Antibacterial drugs help to eliminate pathogens, which contributes to a faster recovery of the child. Usually the doctor prescribes Amoxiclav, Flemoxin, Augmentin.
For local treatment, drops in the ear with an antibiotic are used for inflammation, in particular, such as Otirelax, Otinum, Otipax. These medications help reduce pain. If the pain is not very severe, then Otofa or Dioxidin may be prescribed.
When the first signs of the disease appear, treatment should be started immediately to prevent the transition of the condition to the purulent stage.
Folk remedies
Widely used for ear inflammation folk treatment that helps relieve pain and deal with bacteria faster. To do this, you can use tools such as:
- ichthyol ointment;
- iodine;
- garlic;
- juniper;
- aloe.
Ichthyol ointment is applied to the outer part of the ear canal, helps to speed up healing, eliminates inflammation and painful manifestations. A solution of menthol in peach oil can be instilled into the ear. This remedy has an emollient and analgesic effect.
Iodine has a good antiseptic effect, helping to eliminate the infection. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the affected auricle with this remedy. In the absence of damage to the skin, a behind-the-ear compress can be used for treatment. To do this, moisten gauze in vodka or alcohol solution. The compress is placed for 6 hours. Alcohol warms up the ears by widening the blood vessels.
Garlic can be used externally and internally. They make gruel from it, mix it with oil and insist for 10 days. Then glycerin is added and instilled into the ear. This remedy helps eliminate bacteria and viruses.
You can put juniper extract in the ear canal. The substances included in its composition have an anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. Warm drops of aloe, which also effectively copes with an existing infection, will help reduce the severity of existing symptoms of inflammation. This plant contains natural antiseptics. It is worth noting that it does not cause allergies.
Boric acid is considered a good natural antiseptic, which is used to treat uncomplicated otitis media. To eliminate pain, you need to mix 1 ampoule of 1-2%novocaine and a bottle of 3% boric acid solution. The resulting mixture should be instilled into the ear 3-4 drops. The procedure should be repeated 3-4 times a day. In addition, you can bury boric acid in its pure form.
In acute inflammation, propolis can be used for treatment. To do this, you need to mix propolis tincture with its oil extract. Moisten a piece of gauze in the resulting liquid and, pulling the auricle back a little, insert it into the ear canal. Such a remedy can only be used if there is no allergy to bee products.
Before using folk remedies, you should definitely consult a doctor, as self-medication can provoke complications.
Possible Complications
Acute otitis media practically does not lead to hearing loss, however, subject to its correct and timely treatment. Complications of ear inflammation are mainly characteristic of the advanced chronic form of the disease and they manifest themselves as:
- inflammation of the meninges;
- hearing loss;
- sepsis;
- facial nerve lesions.
With timely detection of the disease and complex therapy, otitis media can be cured. Basically, the entire process of therapy takes no more than 1 week. Pain and discomfort disappear literally on the 2nd day of drug treatment.
Prophylaxis
Otitis in adults very often occurs due to problems with nasal breathing. This may be due to chronic sinusitis or deviated nasalpartitions. It is possible to prevent the development of otitis media only by timely treatment of existing disorders.
In addition, it is important to prevent a decrease in immunity and treat any infectious and viral diseases in a timely manner.
