Inflammation of the ears is a fairly common disease. And it's not a secret for anyone that most often it is children who suffer from otitis media. Therefore, many parents are interested in questions about what such a disease is connected with and how to treat it.
Ear inflammation: causes
To begin with, it is worth saying that there are 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. Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the ear directly from the external environment. For example, otitis externa can be triggered by trauma, a scratch on the ear, or damage to the outer part of the auditory canal.
In addition, the source of infection can be localized in the body. Yes, quite often otitis media occurs against the background of a sore throat, colds, tonsillitis, sinusitis. The activation of pathogenic microflora is facilitated by a weakening of the immune system, vitamin deficiency, as well as some diseases that increase the body's susceptibility to various infections.
Ear inflammation 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, body aches.
- Inflammation of the external ear is characterized by swelling and redness of the auricle, as well as pain that increases with each touch or pressure. In some cases, the inflammatory process can be focal, then a noticeable abscess (furuncle) forms on the ear cartilage.
- Otitis media is accompanied by sharp, shooting pains in the ear, as well as congestion and hearing loss. Soreness is aggravated by chewing or swallowing, a sharp turn of the head, pressure on the ear canal. Small children refuse to eat, become restless, constantly crying and screaming sharply. In the 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 difficult to tolerate, since it is here that the organ of balance is located. The disease may be accompanied by hearing loss, bouts of dizziness and nausea, impaired sense of balance, and tinnitus.
Of course, each type of disease has its own characteristics. Nevertheless, at the slightest suspicion of inflammation of the ears, it is necessary to contact an otolaryngologist. In the absence of competent and timely assistance, otitis media can lead to dangerouscomplications, including complete or partial deafness.
Inflammation of the ears and its treatment
In fact, otitis media is quite easy to treat, especially if therapy is started early. 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, Otipaks 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 ("Orasept") and nasal drops. At elevated temperatures, it is possible to take antipyretics, in particular drugs that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, since these substances also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually, ear pain disappears after 1-3 days of treatment.
