Inflammation of the inner ear occurs in people of all age groups. Therefore, it is important to know not only the causes and symptoms, but also treatment options. It is also better to adhere to the elementary rules for the prevention of this pathology.
Inflammation of the inner ear is a rare form of otitis media. The disease depends not only on infection in the nasopharynx or some kind of mechanical injury. It can be caused by various ailments associated with inflammation-provoking microorganisms. For example, measles or mumps.
First of all, the causes of the disease should be established. And after that, determine the treatment and symptoms of inflammation of the inner ear in adults or children.
The inner ear is located deep enough, so the inflammatory process most often occurs due to infection.
There are several main causes that can cause inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis).
Inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media)
The middle ear is separated from the inner ear by connective tissues. Therefore, when infectedmembrane, consisting of such tissues, harmful microorganisms can easily penetrate inside. Pus begins to stagnate, and as a result, there is an increase in pressure on the labyrinth.
Infectious diseases
Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate into the inner ear and from the brain area. In this case, the cause of inflammation is various forms of meningitis. In this situation, the infection covers both ears of the patient, which can lead to deafness.
Injuries
Pathogenic bacteria can enter the maze due to trauma. Therefore, you need to protect yourself from negative external influences on the ears.
Viral diseases
This form of the disease can develop as a result of complications during parotitis, syphilis, measles, tuberculosis and other viral infections. According to the form of the course, inflammation of the inner ear is acute and chronic, according to the nature of the inflammatory process - purulent, serous and necrotic. And inflammation can spread both locally and to both hearing organs.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis) will be as follows:
- dizziness;
- hearing may be temporarily impaired;
- severe noises in the head;
- nausea;
- problems with orientation in space.
Practically each of these signs is directly related to the impact of the inflammatory process on the vestibular system. In the absence of timely treatment, it is difficult for the patient to even stand on his feet and move independently in space.
If the patient develops this ailment, then he may be disturbed by discomfort in the head. The main symptom of inflammation of the inner ear in children and adults is constant dizziness. The patient will feel that things and objects are spinning in space, dizzy after he sneezes or rides in a car.
When this disease occurs, fluctuations occur on the front of the eyeball caused by reflexes, they first appear from the he althy ear, then move towards the diseased organ.
A person does not hear well, this is evident due to tinnitus, and the patient also does not perceive high frequencies. Labyrinthitis with untimely treatment can lead to complete deafness of the patient.
This disease manifests itself in damage to the facial nerves, if the disease is not cured in time, this part of the face remains paralyzed.
How to tell?
To determine the disease, you need to know the symptoms. Diagnosis of inflammation of the inner ear will begin with an examination. The doctor should alert:
- If the patient raises his eyebrows, and there are no wrinkles on the forehead.
- No symmetry with the tip of the nose.
- The corners of the mouth become immobile.
- The patient has increased salivation.
- The eyeball becomes completely dry, the patient does not close the eyeshas opportunities.
- The taste of food changes.
- The patient hears different sounds better in a noisy environment.
In addition to these symptoms, there may be pallor of the face, vomiting, heartbeat in the wrong rhythm, increased sweating, chest discomfort. At the same time, a person can completely lose orientation in space; in severe forms of this disease, the patient can neither stand up nor sit down.
Otitis externa
The easiest way to identify this disease is to press the ear canal from the outside, the patient will feel pain. Hearing basically remains at the same level as before. Now, if pus appears inside the ear canal, then hearing may also deteriorate.
Otitis media
Occurs in a patient in an acute or chronic form, there are two types of this disease. In the case of the first, fluid collects inside the ear, in the second case - pus. Acute, sharp pain in the occiput, crown and general headaches. You can also feel the sound, as if liquid is splashing in the ear, blocking the ears.
The pain is sharp, hearing worsens, high temperature. With the onset of timely treatment, the patient's hearing remains the same and does not deteriorate.
Any of these diseases can be cured, it is only necessary to make a diagnosis in time and start therapy.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis of inflammation of the inner part of the ear, it is necessary to conduct a number of specific studies that are prescribed by an otolaryngologist.
First stage of diagnosisThe condition consists of a doctor examining parts of the ear such as the pinna, eardrum, and the area behind the outside of the ear canal (behind the ear). This study is carried out using a device specially designed for this purpose - an otoscope.
At the first sign of illness, you should immediately contact a specialist. It is important to prevent complications. Further laboratory studies are carried out. Do a complete blood count. If fluid is released from the auditory organ, then it is also examined. An x-ray also helps to determine the exact diagnosis. To detect suppuration, computed tomography is performed. As for such a procedure as examining the eardrum, then it is resorted to if internal otitis has arisen from inflammation of the middle ear.
In addition, other diagnostic methods are possible using certain tools:
- When using a special device - an audiometer - it is determined how acute and sensitive hearing is. The procedure is called audiometry.
- What is the state of the vestibular apparatus - is detected using vestibularometry.
- When there is inflammation of the inside of the ear, nystagmus appears, it is examined using electronistamography.
To confirm or refute the diagnosis, they also use magnetic resonance and computed tomography, x-rays. Also, the patient donates blood and discharge from the diseased ear for tests, the delivery of which is necessary in order to determine whether the disease is viral or bacterial, because the difference in treatmentessential.
Treatment
The whole process of treatment takes place exclusively in a hospital under the constant supervision of physicians. If the cause is a bacterial infection, then antibiotics are required. If the cause is a viral pathogen, then antibacterial agents are ineffective to use.
Drugs for labyrinthitis
In the treatment of inflammation of the inner ear, preference is given to conservative therapy. In order to reduce symptoms, treatment is recommended that includes the following medications:
- Various antiemetic drugs. Among the popular ones are Cerucal or Compazine.
- To relieve inflammation, steroid medications are recommended. For example, "Methylprednisolone" is suitable.
- In some cases, you will need funds from the group of anticholinergics.
- Special patches are easy to stick in the ear area, and the result is noticeable quite quickly.
- Antihistamines are needed to reduce dizziness and nausea. One of the popular drugs "Suprastin". It is suitable for adults and children. The price is affordable, the minimum number of side effects.
- Mild sedatives are given to reduce anxiety.
- Vestibulolytics will be prescribed only in case of impaired blood circulation in the body.
Other treatments
The following treatment options are also used for symptoms of inflammation of the inner ear:
- Diuretics.
- Diet.
- Using glucose and calcium chloride.
Depending on the condition of the body, vitamin complexes are recommended. For example, a large dose of vitamin C. A prerequisite for successful rehabilitation is bed rest.
Surgery
If the entire surface of the inner ear is affected or there is some suppuration, then an operation is necessary. Sanitized general cavity trepanation helps to remove all the pus in the labyrinth. Labyrinthectomy is needed for simple variants of suppuration. But it is carried out only in exceptional cases. However, most often, before any surgical intervention, the patient is prescribed treatment with medication for a week.
Folk remedies
Folk recipes are recommended only as aids. They are effective in tandem with conservative treatment. Options:
- Take two tablespoons of medicinal burnet roots. Pour in two cups of boiling water. Heat the future broth in a water bath for half an hour. It is enough to take one tablespoon up to three times a day.
- A swab soaked in onion juice and vegetable oil must be kept in the ear for several hours.
- It is strictly forbidden to apply a warm heating pad to the area of localization of the inflammatory process. There is a big risk that pus will enter the cranial cavity.
In the treatment of inflammation of the internalear, it is important to contact a specialist in time. In most cases, complications can be avoided.
