Every adult at least once in his life faced with an unpleasant situation when his ear was stuffed up and the pain shoots in it so that at least climb the wall. The causes of these symptoms are most often inflammatory diseases. In order not to start the process even deeper, you need to immediately contact an otolaryngologist.
How is the ear?
The auditory analyzer, like all human senses, has a complex structure. It consists of the outer, middle and inner ear.
The outer ear in the form of an auricle is only the very beginning of the path of sound. Due to its structure, the auricle performs a protective function, helping the auditory organ to be less influenced by the environment, weather conditions and other factors. The outer ear also includes the auditory canal, which runs inward to the eardrum.
The middle ear continues into the tympanic cavity, separated from the external membrane, to which the handle of the malleus, the first auditory bone, is attached. Following the hammer with a chain gostirrup and anvil. The names of the auditory ossicles come from the fact that they have a very similar appearance with the objects of the same name. A sound wave passes through them from the eardrum in a string, conducting sound to the inner ear, which begins with an oval window, where the base of the stirrup enters.
The inner ear is the most complex in structure and performs the function of not only an auditory analyzer, but also an organ of balance. The membranous labyrinth, consisting of the cochlea and semicircular canals, is hidden in the temporal bone of the skull, which protects the inner ear from damage and cold.
Why is my ear blocked and shooting?
Despite the fact that the hearing organ is protected by the auricle, it is very sensitive to bad weather and infections. Therefore, the most common cause of discomfort, including when it hurts to shoot in the ear, is inflammation.
- Otitis externa is inflammation of the pinna and/or ear canal. The infection leads to shooting and colitis in the ears, but stuffy ears because a large amount of pus in the ear canal prevents the sound from reaching the tympanic cavity in full.
- Otitis media is a more formidable pathology affecting the middle ear with the auditory ossicles located there. It can be caused by bacteria, as well as influenza viruses, measles. Chronic infection of the nasopharynx and hypothermia can contribute to the appearance of inflammation in the ear. In this case, it shoots in the ear, and the temperature can reach febrile numbers.
- Otitis media or labyrinthitis is an inflammatoryprocess in the deepest part of the ear analyzer. It is dangerous not only by hearing loss, up to deafness, but also by a violation of balance and coordination of movements.
- A foreign body in the ear, especially a sharp object, can make the ear hurt, shoot, and stuff it up due to blockage in the ear canal.
- Traumatic damage to the organ of hearing can occur from a direct blow to the ear or a fall on it, as well as barotrauma associated with pressure changes, sound trauma.
- Inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, especially tonsillitis, can spread to the auditory tube, which leads straight to the middle ear. Pain in eustachitis shoots into the ear, but it is blocked due to a violation of the patency of the Eustachian tube, which leads to a pressure drop in the tympanic cavity.
- Rhinosinusitis - infectious and inflammatory problems in the nose and sinuses. If the process of inflammation goes further to the ears, then in addition to the fact that the nose is stuffed up and shoots in the ear, hearing loss may be observed.
- Trigeminal neuritis that occurs with hypothermia, nervous exhaustion, exacerbation of chronic diseases of the ENT organs or teeth. Ear pain that shoots to the head and radiates down the cheeks and eyebrows is quite common.
Occurrence and symptoms of otitis media
Inflammation of the middle ear is the most common reason why the ear is blocked, shoots and hurts. Factors provoking the development of the disease are hypothermia of the whole organism, being outside without a hat in a coldseason, chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis, rhinosinusitis, untreated otitis externa, adenoiditis in children, bad teeth, a general decrease in the body's immune defenses. Under the influence of these causes, pathogenic bacteria and viruses are able to capture the middle ear, which leads to otitis media. The process can take place in an acute stage, which, in the absence of proper treatment, becomes chronic.
Otitis is manifested by unpleasant sensations, as if the ear was blocked and shoots. Such pain can be against the background of arching constant pain of varying intensity. An increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees, weakness, muscle aches, sweating, loss of appetite, headache - these are all symptoms of the inflammatory process. Hearing loss is associated with inflammatory changes that affect the eardrum and can lead to damage, that is, perforation. Also, serous or purulent fluid that accumulates in the tympanic cavity due to the action of infectious agents makes it difficult for the auditory ossicles to work and conduct sound. If the pus does not go away under the influence of drugs, then sometimes it is necessary to pierce the membrane under sterile conditions to ensure the outflow of fluid from the middle ear.
Ear congestion clinic
Many people misbehave when stuffing their ears. What to do depends on the causes of congestion, as well as on other symptoms.
If congestion is observed without pain, catarrhal phenomena andincrease in temperature, most likely, a sulfur plug has appeared in the auditory canal.
If it stuffs the ears and head, the reasons may be in vascular disorders associated with increased blood pressure, vegetative-vascular dystonia, age-related atherosclerotic problems.
Such a pathological hearing loss is observed with barotrauma, as well as acoustic damage to the eardrum associated with unbearably loud sound.
Otosclerosis, which occurs against the background of adverse noise and toxic effects, is characterized by hearing loss, noise and stuffiness in the ears and develops more often in young women.
Sensations of stuffing can also occur in he althy people, for example, in an airplane during takeoff and landing. If the ear is stuffed up on the plane, you can ask the flight attendant how to remove the stuffiness. For such cases, they distribute lollipops, the resorption of which in the mouth increases the amount of saliva, which relieves discomfort when swallowing. Knowing this, you can do without sweets, making frequent swallowing movements to balance the pressure in the tympanic cavity.
Complications of inflammation in the ear
Inflammatory processes in the middle ear due to their location are extremely dangerous for the development of complications. Purulent otitis media is able to break through with purulent discharge into the mastoid process of the temporal bone adjacent to the ear. In this case, mastoiditis occurs. The pains become throbbing, the skin behind the ear is hot to the touch and reddens, a large edematous swelling may form.
In the futurethe spread of infection, pus fills an increasing area, moving to the labyrinth of the inner ear, as well as the spaces of the neck, located between the fascia of the muscles. If the process goes deep into the skull, a brain abscess occurs, which can be fatal. Signs of it are a deterioration in general well-being - high fever, weakness, severe headache, impaired consciousness and focal symptoms depending on the affected area.
Plunged ear and shoots: what to do?
When shooting pains appear, hearing loss with or without a rise in temperature, it is necessary to see an otolaryngologist as soon as possible in order to start treatment on time, without leading to complications and chronicization of the process.
An ENT doctor will perform an otoscopy procedure, that is, an examination of the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope device. This will allow you to assess the condition of the canal, its patency and the integrity of the membrane, the presence or absence of foreign bodies, internal damage.
In case of hearing loss without signs of otitis media, audiometry is prescribed to assess the hearing threshold. The patient with the result of the examination in the form of an audiogram is sent to the audiologist. In addition, tympanometry is often performed, which allows an objective assessment of hearing and pressure indicators without the active participation of the patient.
If complications of purulent otitis media (abscess, mastoiditis) are suspected, it is necessary to conduct an X-ray diagnosis. If the x-ray of the brain does not give a clear picture, then you shouldMRI or CT scan.
Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the brain will allow you to find out their condition and the impact of pathology on hearing. It is also necessary to consult a neurologist and a therapist if hearing loss is associated with vascular diseases.
All ear diseases should be accompanied by a blood test. A general analysis will show the presence or absence of inflammation. The dynamics of indicators will help to assess the correctness of the therapy.
Bacteriological culture is used in difficult cases in the absence of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. Discharge from the ear is sown on a special nutrient medium, where they study what kind of colonies of microorganisms have grown and what drugs they are sensitive to, and from which they do not die.
Folk remedies
Home folk remedies are actively used for diseases of the ENT organs, when the ear is blocked and shoots. What should I do to avoid hurting myself? First of all, it should be noted that treatment with folk methods should not remain self-treatment. A referral to a specialist is mandatory.
Putting cotton wool soaked in warm boric alcohol into the ear will help to somewhat alleviate the unpleasant sensations of warming. You can also put three drops of this medicine in the ear, warmed to room temperature.
Applying a compress to the ear is prohibited. In the absence of temperature, a compress using camphor alcohol is applied around the auricle, making an incision in gauze for the ear. It is necessary to remove the napkin no later than four hours from the moment of application, so as not to cause a burn. Can be alternatedcompresses with dry warming dressings.
Ingestion of vitamin herbal teas with lemon will help boost immunity and deal with infection faster. Ivan-tea, linden, coltsfoot, mint, rosehip, raspberry leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect. From these herbs, individually or in a mixture, you can prepare decoctions and infusions. It is also impossible to abuse herbs, individual sensitivity should be taken into account.
With angina and pharyngitis, when there is an interest in the inflammatory process of the auditory tube, you should thoroughly rinse your throat. For rinsing with anti-inflammatory purposes, you can use infusions and decoctions of chamomile, calendula, sage, propolis tincture, eucalyptus.
Treatment
If it shoots and lays the ear, what to treat, the otolaryngologist will tell you after a careful examination of the patient.
In case of otitis media, antibiotics are prescribed:
- Penicillin series ("Amoxicillin").
- Cephalosporins: I generation ("Cefalexin"), II generation ("Cefuroxime"), III generation ("Cefotaxime").
- Macrolides ("Azithromycin").
- Fluoroquinolones ("Levofloxacin").
Drops in the ears:
- "Sofradex" contains antibiotics (gramicidin and framycetin) and the hormonal drug dexamethasone, which helps reduce inflammation and improve regeneration. The hormone is contraindicated in case of damage to the eardrum.
- "Normax"contains the antibiotic norfloxacin from the group of fluoroquinolones.
- "Otinum" has an anti-inflammatory effect, as it contains choline salicylate (an aspirin derivative).
- "Otipax" is a combination of phenazone and lidocaine, that is, an anti-inflammatory drug plus an anesthetic.
Symptomatic drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain ("Diclofenac", "Nimesulide", "Ketorolac"), antipyretic drugs ("Aspirin", "Paracetamol", "Ibuprofen"), antihistamines ("Suprastin", "Loratadin", "Cetrin") to relieve swelling, vasoconstrictor drops ("Xylometazoline", "Nafazolin").
After the acute process subsides and the temperature normalizes, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed: electrophoresis, UHF currents, ultraviolet irradiation, pneumomassage.
Common drug side effects
Antibiotics and other medications used to treat inflammatory infections have a number of side effects.
"Amoxicillin" can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
"Azithromycin" often causes headache, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, changes in the leukocyte blood count.
"Cephalexin" can worsen the work of the stomach andintestines.
"Cefuroxime" can cause disturbances in stool, appetite, increase in blood levels of liver enzymes.
"Cefotaxime" often affects the work of the gastrointestinal tract, increases blood transaminases, which indicates a toxic effect on the liver.
"Levofloxacin" often causes digestive disorders (diarrhea, nausea).
"Sofradex" with prolonged use can increase intraocular pressure.
Normax can cause dizziness and bad taste in the mouth.
Otinum and Otipax may cause local irritation of the ear canal.
All medicines must be prescribed by a specialist. Self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences, since drugs have contraindications. It should be remembered that there is an allergy to medicines, and all of the above drugs can cause allergic reactions of various directions and complexity, up to anaphylactic shock.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of otitis externa, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene, avoid frostbite, ear injury with sharp objects, and prevent foreign bodies and insects from entering the ears.
To prevent acute otitis media, its complications and chronicity, it is necessary to carefully and timely treat diseases of the nasopharynx, prevent the occurrence of sinusitis, regularly visit the dentist, getting rid of caries. If the ear is blocked and shoots, then it is better not to hesitate and turn todoctor for help.
When a runny nose occurs, blow your nose very carefully, closing each nostril in turn to prevent injury to the eardrum.
If otitis has become chronic, it is necessary to ensure that water does not get into the ears when swimming and bathing. It is better to cover the sore ear with cotton soaked in oil during water procedures.
Tempering the body, regular walks in the fresh air, physical education, sports sections, giving up bad habits, fortification through nutrition, and in winter - taking vitamin complexes.
When work is associated with pronounced noise, special protective equipment should be used - headphones or earplugs.
Gently clean your ears from sulfur accumulated there. If it accumulates quickly, then clean the ears at the otolaryngologist. Protect your ears when working in a dusty environment.
