Viral otitis. How to recognize and treat an ear infection? How can you spot an ear infection?

The ear is a complex organ that allows people to hear and is responsible for the sense of balance. Ear diseases bring a lot of problems in the form of pain, discomfort or hearing impairment. Correct diagnosis at the onset of the disease is crucial to prevent complications.

The occurrence of hearing problems has various origins, which include:

Genetic diseases.
Infections - ingress of bacteria or viruses. Most often it is a consequence of another illness: a cold, flu or allergies. The most common cause of ear diseases.
Injury due to external influences: loud noise, foreign object, head injury, or improper cleaning of earwax.
Developmental anomaly. Toxic effects of alcohol, drugs, chemicals on the fetus in the womb or previous infections.

In children

Children are more susceptible to ear infections than adults due to the structure of their eustachian tube and underdeveloped immune system. In young children, the tube is shorter, wider and located at a different angle. The middle ear connects to the back of the nasopharynx in a tube, and its location provides easy access for germs. This causes fluid buildup, pressure, painful infections, and hearing loss.

Toddlers with permanent or temporary hearing loss may experience speech delays and delays in social skills.
Babies who consume only formula are more likely to get sick than those who are breastfed. If possible, you should breastfeed your baby for at least the first 6 months, since breast milk contains antibodies that protect the body from viruses.
Symptoms of ear disease in children:
tugging or scratching the ear;
sleep problems;
irritability;
does not respond to sounds;
loss of appetite;
discharge of pus.

In an adult
Ear problems are much less common in adults than in children. However, unlike childhood infections, which are often mild and resolve quickly, adult infections often result from more complex health problems.
Localization of the disease
The ear is a system divided into 3 functional parts, each of which performs certain tasks.
The ear consists of:
Internal, which is located in the cavity of the temporal bone and consists of a bone labyrinth with a membranous layer. It consists of the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, the auditory nerve, which transmits signals from the cochlea to the brain, and the semicircular ear canals, which are responsible for the vestibular apparatus, which regulates human balance.
The middle consists of the eardrum and an air-filled cavity containing 3 auditory bones that connect the eardrum to the inner ear. Acts as a sound amplifier.
The outer one is the auricle. Protects the inner and middle ear and localizes sound.

Inner ear diseases
Disorders associated with the inner ear are considered the most complex due to the fact that it contains the vestibular system. It is located deep in the temporal part of the head, so it can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of the disease. Problems arising in this department most often lead to hearing loss and disability of the patient.
The inner ear is characterized by diseases such as:
Meniere's disease;
internal otitis;
otosclerosis;
hearing loss.

Problems related to the middle ear are considered the most common. They are especially common in children due to an incompletely formed eustachian tube. The bulk of the causes of diseases in this part of the ear are due to inflammatory pathologies such as:
sinusitis;
otitis;
mastoiditis;
Eustachitis.

Due to the proximity to the membrane, inflammatory processes can progress further, causing diseases of the meninges and the brain itself.
Diseases of the external ear
otomycosis;
diffuse and external otitis media;
abnormal development of the auricle;
injuries.

Classification of disease types
Ear diseases, according to the nature of their course, can be:
inflammatory;
non-inflammatory;
fungal;
traumatic.

Non-inflammatory
Non-inflammatory diseases occur without the formation of pus and inflammation. Such diseases include Meniere's disease and auditory neuritis.
Inflammatory
Inflammatory diseases are characterized by the presence of inflammation due to a viral or bacterial infection entering the ear cavity. Such diseases include otitis media, eustachitis, mastoiditis, and labyrinthitis.
Fungal
Otomycosis affects people who stay in humid and warm conditions for a long time, and those who work in rooms with high levels of dust or do not follow hygiene rules.
A fungal infection manifests itself in the initial stages with itching and pain, and then the appearance of pus. Symptoms include hearing problems and a feeling of pressure in the ear. Treatment may require the use of an antifungal medication or ear canal cleaner.
Traumatic lesions
Hearing problems can occur not only due to infections, but also due to increased pressure or mechanical damage. There are many types. These include barotrauma (injury due to changes in pressure in the ear), foreign body entry, head injury, and damage to the membrane by a cotton swab.
Treatment depends on the type of injury and its location. The most severe injuries are considered to be the middle and inner ear.

Dangerous complications
It is important to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of illness. Even a mild form of the disease in an advanced state can cause severe complications, including complete hearing loss or death.
Major diseases
Deaf-mute
Deaf-mute is the absence of hearing and impairment of the vocal apparatus. It can be congenital or acquired. Reasons why deafness may develop:
genetic predisposition;
chickenpox;
cytomegalovirus;
mumps;
meningitis;
AIDS;
syphilis;.
Lyme disease;
diabetes;
tuberculosis;
injuries.

This is the most severe type of ear disease. The main method of treatment is to help a person adapt to changed living conditions. Hearing aids are used for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Children with congenital hearing loss undergo a special course in sign language.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses and cavities that produce the mucus needed by the nasal passages. May be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or allergies. Common symptoms include thick nasal mucus, stuffy nose, fever, headache, sore throat and cough. Sinusitis is not a disease of the ear, but it can cause pain in the ear.
Types of sinusitis:
Sinusitis is inflammation of the maxillary sinuses.
Ethmoiditis affects the walls of the ethmoid labyrinth. Most often found in scarlet fever.
Frontitis is inflammation of the frontal paranasal sinus. The most severe type of sinusitis.

During treatment, antiseptic drugs, nasal drops, and antibiotics are prescribed. In case of acute sinusitis, sinus punctures are used.
Eustachite
Eustachitis is an inflammatory process localized in the Eustachian tube. Symptoms include a feeling of congestion, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Occurs as a result of chronic diseases and due to anatomical disorders (deviated nasal septum, rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, adenoids, polyps, sinusitis).
Most often children suffer from it. It is much less common in adults. is fraught with the development of hearing loss.

When treating this disease, it is necessary to relieve swelling and eliminate the causes. Laser therapy, UHF therapy, and microwave therapy are used.
Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the antrum and the cells of the mastoid process. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, headache, redness and swelling in the mastoid area.
If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, mastoiditis can be easily treated. Therapy consists of a course of antibiotics. Lack of treatment leads to paralysis of the facial nerve and the development of hearing loss.
Meniere's disease
Meniere's disease is a non-inflammatory disease of the inner ear characterized by increased intralabyrinth pressure.
Symptoms:
dizziness;
noise in ears;
progressive deafness;
imbalance;
nausea, vomiting;
sweating;
lowering blood pressure.

pain;
inflammation;
edema;
redness;
peeling of the skin;
tinnitus;
discharge;
hearing problems;

Treatment includes cleaning the ears and taking antifungal medications.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is the growth of the bone labyrinth, which leads to deterioration or complete loss of hearing. Sound cannot travel from the middle ear to the inner ear. The causes of the appearance may be hereditary predisposition, hormonal disorders due to menopause or pregnancy. It is more often detected in women than in men.
Symptoms:
dizziness;
noise in ears;
violation of movement coordination;
a person ceases to distinguish low-frequency sounds and whispers.

Treatment consists of hearing aids or stapedoplasty (stapedium replacement).
Otogenic sepsis
Otogenic sepsis is an inflammatory disease caused by staphylococcus and hemolytic streptococcus. It occurs as a complication of chronic (less commonly acute) purulent otitis media. Characterized by the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the bloodstream. In the initial stages, it is sometimes confused with mastoiditis.
Symptoms:
chills;
tenderness behind the mastoid process;
fever;
excessive sweating;
yellowish skin color;
temperature increase;
skin rashes;
increase in the size of the liver and spleen.

Among all diseases associated with the ears, the mortality rate with otogenic sepsis is the highest. If this disease is detected, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Treatment involves removing dead tissue, clearing pus and disinfecting the affected area. High doses of antibiotics and sulfonamides are also prescribed. In addition to drug treatment, the patient must follow the prescribed diet.
Earwax is a mixture of secretions from the sebaceous glands and epithelium. Sometimes a wax plug occurs - a collection of earwax blocking the external auditory canal, which becomes dense over time. There are several reasons for the appearance of sulfur plugs: increased function of the sebaceous glands, otitis media, otomycosis, and foreign body entering the auditory canal. Sulfur plugs are characterized by symptoms such as:
feeling of stuffiness;
hearing loss;
dizziness;
one's own voice is heard as an echo.

When the wax plug is present for a long time, the patient begins to feel painful sensations. In advanced forms, diseases such as otitis media or myringitis may occur. You should not remove the wax plug yourself - this can lead to injury or infection of the ear canal. During the examination, the doctor (if there are no disorders or inflammation of the ear) will remove the plug and disinfect the ear canal.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, aging, noise exposure, infections, birth complications, ear injuries, and toxic substances. Infections such as syphilis and rubella during pregnancy can cause hearing loss in the baby.
The degree of hearing loss ranges from slight hearing loss to complete deafness. Most often found in older people.
There are 3 main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, mixed:
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by the death of hair cells, which prevents mechanical vibrations from being converted into electrical impulses. Other factors of occurrence are damage to the ear nerve, Meniere's disease and infectious diseases (measles, meningitis, AIDS). Implants and hearing aids are used for treatment.
Conductive hearing loss occurs due to the failure of sound signals to pass through. Causes may include trauma, tumors, otitis media, and sulfur plugs. Conductive hearing loss is often temporary. Treatment includes surgery (removing the obstruction that is blocking sound), implants, hearing aids, and medications.
occurs with the simultaneous influence of factors causing sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. In this case, treatment methods are strictly individual.

Ear injuries
Ear injuries are mechanical damage to the ear.
Symptoms in sick people vary depending on the type of disease. The surest sign of the presence of the disease is the appearance of pain in the ear, which can then radiate to the head and jaw. Severe illnesses are characterized by severe shooting pain.
In inflammatory processes, there is a feeling of stuffiness, weakness, fever, and discharge from the ear.
General symptoms:
pain;
hearing loss;
dizziness;

Important! If any of the above symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment.

Which doctor should I contact?
Depending on the problem faced by the patient, there are several categories of doctors specializing in ear diseases:
An otolaryngologist diagnoses and treats pathologies of the ear, nose and throat.
An audiologist identifies hearing impairments.
An otoneurologist specializes in disorders of the vestibular apparatus.

Methods for diagnosing ear diseases
To compile a complete picture of the disease, the following research methods are used:
Otoscopy is the examination of the ear canal and eardrum using a tube.
Ultrasound reveals the presence of ear tumors and a source of infection.
X-rays show the mixing and growth of bones.
Tests: biochemical blood test, test for otomycosis.
Tympanometry - measurement of ear canal volume and pressure.
CT scan.
Palpation.

Types of treatment
Treatment is carried out based on the diagnosis. During surgical treatment, there are risks of complications that the patient must take into account. There are a large number of operations that are necessary to prevent deterioration or to improve hearing. Types of operations:
Myringoplasty is aimed at eliminating defects in the eardrum.
Tympanoplasty is an operation to restore the normal position of the bones of the middle ear.
Mastoidectomy - removal of pus and granulations from the mastoid process.

Physiotherapy
The safest treatment option. More often . Its purpose is to relieve inflammation and swelling. Electrophoresis, UV therapy, and ultrasound therapy are used.
Medicines
The medicinal method includes taking anesthetics, antibiotics, ear drops, and antiseptics. In case of severe discomfort or pain, you should not self-medicate, you should immediately consult a doctor.
ethnoscience
You should turn to traditional medicine only in cases of mild inflammatory diseases. The following methods can be used:
Compress made from infusion of chamomile, oak bark, and sweet clover.
Instill 2-3 drops of boric acid at night.
Mash the garlic, wrap in gauze and use as a compress for 20 minutes.
Add 2 drops of eucalyptus oil.

Complications caused by diseases
The consequences of ear diseases include:
deafness;
facial paralysis;
the appearance of tumors;
hearing loss;
penetration of infection into the membrane of the brain;
complication of ear pathologies;
brain sepsis;
meningitis.

Ignoring the symptoms of the disease can affect a person’s health, lifestyle, or lead to death. At the first symptoms of ear diseases, you should go to the doctor and not self-medicate.
Preventive measures
Tips for preventing ear diseases:
do not swim in open waters without a special cap;
do not clean the ear canal with hard, sharp objects;
wear a hat that covers your ears during the cold season;
use headphones less often;
eliminate loud sound impacts;
avoid hypothermia;
lead a healthy lifestyle;
maintain personal hygiene;
visit your doctor regularly.

It is important to carry out hardening procedures along with prevention. Swimming or skiing are suitable. Use cotton swabs with caution, as they can damage the membrane. It is worth visiting the dentist regularly - diseases of the oral cavity can cause inflammation in the ear.

Ear pain during a cold can be sharp, dull or burning, and can vary in intensity (from mild to very severe). Even in the absence of infection, fluid accumulating in the ear puts pressure on the eardrum, causing swelling and vibration.

If you have ear pain during a cold, you or your child may experience trouble sleeping, fever, and greenish or yellow nasal discharge. Because a cold, unlike an infection, goes away on its own, ear pain usually goes away along with it. However, if you have ear pain, ear infections are still a possibility, so you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Typically, the initial cause of ear pain is a cold virus, and then a secondary ear infection develops. It often occurs suddenly and initially causes severe pain. The reason is that the sensitive nerve endings of the eardrum are subject to increased pressure. Ear pain may ease when the eardrum stretches a little.

Other symptoms of ear pain caused by infection include:

Loss of appetite - especially severe in young children during bottle feeding.
Middle ear pressure changes when a child swallows, causing more severe ear pain.
Irritability.
Sleep disturbance - occurs because the pain is constant, because fluid moves during sleep.
Fever - with an ear infection, the temperature can rise to 40°C.
Dizziness - You may feel like you are spinning.
Ear discharge - yellow, brownish or white thin discharge that is not earwax indicates a perforated eardrum due to infection.
Hearing Impairment - Fluid accumulation not only causes pain in the ears, but also interferes with the normal functioning of the eardrum. The sound signal does not pass to the auditory ossicles of the middle ear and is not transmitted further to the brain.
Suppurative otitis media - With this infection, the symptoms of acute otitis media and ear pain may disappear, but the fluid (pus) remains. The accumulated fluid causes temporary and minor hearing loss.

How to diagnose an ear infection?

If otitis is suspected, the doctor examines the ear using an otoscope. A healthy eardrum is pinkish-gray and transparent. Signs of infection include ear pain and redness and swelling of the eardrum. A doctor can check for fluid in the middle ear using a pneumatic otoscope by blowing a small amount of air to vibrate the eardrum.

It will not vibrate properly if fluid has accumulated in the ear. Tympanometry is also used to diagnose ear infections. This test checks for fluid in the middle ear using sound and air pressure (it is not used to evaluate hearing).

How to treat ear pain due to a cold or infection?

Typically, ear infections and pain can be treated successfully. With proper treatment, permanent ear damage or hearing loss is currently unlikely. Treatment may include medications to relieve ear pain and fever, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and/or monitoring symptoms. Painkillers. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen relieve ear pain from a cold or fever above 39°C. They usually help as a pain reliever for one to two hours. Remember that ear pain tends to get worse at night.

Antibiotics for ear infections. Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor kill the bacteria that cause the infection. They should not be used for ear pain due to a cold or conditions caused by a virus. When taking antibiotics, you may experience nausea, diarrhea, rash, or thrush. They may also affect the way other medications work, including those you take for ear pain. Myringotomy (ear tubes) to drain fluid.

If fluid remains in the ear for more than three months, or if infections recur frequently, the doctor inserts small metal or plastic tubes through holes in the eardrum. These tubes drain accumulated fluid. This outpatient procedure is part of treatment for an infection and is usually performed on children under general anesthesia. Typically, the tubes remain in place for eight to 18 months before falling out on their own. In some cases, the doctor may intentionally leave them for a longer period.

What happens if an ear infection is left untreated?

Left untreated, ear pain due to a middle ear infection can lead to the following consequences: Otitis media of the inner ear. Scarring of the eardrum. Hearing loss. Mastoiditis (temporal bone infection). Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Problems of speech development in children. Facial paralysis. Call your pediatrician immediately if: Your child has torticollis (stiff neck muscles). The child gets tired quickly, reacts poorly and cannot be consoled.

Call your pediatrician if: Fever or ear pain does not go away within 48 hours of taking antibiotics. Something is bothering you or you have questions. Are there measures to prevent ear pain due to colds and infections? Ear pain prevention measures exist for both adults and children. Sometimes a change in home environment is enough, but in some cases surgery will be required (for example, for severe infections).

Discuss the following precautions with your doctor: Protect your baby from colds, especially in the first year of life. Most ear infections are caused by a cold. Ear pain can develop after the flu, so ask your doctor about getting an annual flu vaccine.

Most children receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of ear infections. Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether your child is vaccinated. As a rule, this vaccination is given before the age of two. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which increases the incidence and severity of ear infections.

Monitor for allergic reactions. Inflammation caused by allergies contributes to ear pain and infection. Breastfeed your baby whenever possible for the first 6 to 12 months of life. Antibodies found in breast milk reduce the risk of ear pain caused by infection. When bottle-feeding, hold the bottle in your hands and hold the baby at a 45-degree angle. Feeding in a horizontal position can cause formula and other fluids to flow into the eustachian tubes, causing ear pain.

Do not allow your child to hold the bottle himself; milk may get into the middle ear. To solve these problems, you should wean your baby off the bottle between the ages of 9 and 12 months. Pay attention to your breathing. If a child breathes through his mouth or snores/sniffles, this may be a sign of enlarged adenoids. They also influence the development of ear infections and ear pain. You may need to be examined by an otolaryngologist or even have surgery to remove your adenoids (adenotomy).

If you want to read all the most interesting things about beauty and health, subscribe to the newsletter!

Although ear infections are more common in children, they often affect adults as well. In adults, the infection is usually caused by a bacterial or viral illness, such as a cold. It causes symptoms such as ear congestion, temporary hearing loss, ear pain, etc.

Our ear consists of three main parts - the inner ear, the middle ear and the outer ear. It functions in such a way that sound waves pass through the outer ear and reach the middle part (ear canal), and through the canal, vibrations enter the inner ear. Various diseases can affect a person's hearing, including some ear infections.

Otitis media is the most common ear infection. Also known as a middle ear infection, it causes inflammation of the middle ear. When bacteria or viruses that cause colds, sore throats, and other respiratory illnesses spread into the middle ear, it results in inflammation. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear or external ear infection, is another type of infection that affects adults.

Otitis - middle ear infection

The small tear at the back of the eardrum, where three tiny bones pick up vibration and transmit it to the inner ear, is called the middle ear. This region is connected to the upper respiratory tract through a small canal called the eustachian tube. Middle ear infections are divided into two types:

Acute otitis media - This type usually occurs after a viral upper respiratory tract infection such as the flu or cold, or any other type of respiratory infection.
Chronic otitis is a continuation of otitis media, which occurs due to disorders of the eardrum, and usually follows acute otitis media.

Symptoms

Fever;

Congestion in the ears;

Dizziness;

Temporary hearing loss;

Pain and itching in the ear;

Discharge of pus;

Peeling in the ear;

A sore throat;

Stomach upset or diarrhea (very rare).

Possible reasons

The fluid from the middle ear enters the throat through the Eustachian tube. When there is a plug or tumor in this tube, fluid begins to stagnate in the middle ear. In this regard, various bacteria and viruses easily enter there, resulting in an infection. Later, white blood cells rush to the site of infection to fight the infection, and during this process, killed bacteria and dead white cells accumulate, resulting in the formation of pus in the middle ear. Due to the accumulation of this pus, the eardrum and bones of the middle ear can move freely, causing hearing problems. Several causes of swelling and congestion of the Eustachian tube:

Frequent exposure to vapors or smoke;

Upper respiratory tract infections;

Allergies;

Otitis externa or ear infection.

The outer visible area of the ear consists of the pinna (the cartilaginous structure of the outer ear), and the external auditory canal. Its main function is to collect sound energy and direct it to the eardrum, which is part of the middle ear. Infection in the outer part of the ear is most common among swimmers, hence its name. Many times, while swimming, chlorinated water enters the ear, and with it various bacteria and microorganisms that cause infection. In some cases, an infection in the outer ear is caused by inflammation of the external auditory canal.

Symptoms

Minimal hearing loss;

Enlarged lymph nodes in the throat;

Slight increase in temperature;

Itching and peeling of the skin;

Discharge of pus;

Feeling of constant pressure and fullness;

Severe pain that worsens with movement of the earlobe or jaw.

Possible reasons

Otitis externa is caused by fungi or bacteria that enter the ear with moisture. Frequent bathing increases the chances of this infection. Apart from swimming, there are various other reasons that lead to this type of infection:

Scratching the ear with a fingernail;

Constant use of headphones or hearing aids;

Cleaning the ears with sharp objects or an ear swab;

Allergy to jewelry;

Excess moisture in the outer ear.

Treatment Options for an Ear Infection

From the doctor's clinic:

Antifungal ear drops for fungal infections;

Acid ear drops to kill bacteria causing infection;

Corticosteroid ear drops to relieve inflammation and swelling;

Antibiotic ear drops for various bacterial infections;

Antibiotic capsules such as flucloxacillin;

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, and codeine (for severe cases);

Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain.

If the above-mentioned antibiotics do not help cure the infection, the doctor may recommend simple surgery. This method involves puncturing with a sterilized needle and removing the pus.

Note: Never attempt this procedure yourself.

Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes and should not be construed as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Making an appointment with a doctor is absolutely free. Find the right specialist and make an appointment!

The inflammatory process in the hearing organs can be caused not only by bacteria. Often the pathology is caused by various viral infections, of which there are quite a lot in the environment. For example, viral otitis is considered an acute infectious disease that affects the outer, middle and inner ear. The cure for such a disease must be timely, since it greatly weakens the immune system and provokes the appearance of secondary purulent otitis media.

Many parents do not know whether viral otitis occurs in children. This disease develops in children's bodies quite often. Inflammation of the hearing organ of bullous etiology in children develops due to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the ear. This infection often occurs when the body's defenses are weak.

A disease of the auditory organ of a viral nature does not develop as a primary disease.

Pathology always appears against the background of colds of the upper respiratory system. Bullous otitis media occurs more often in children than in adults. This feature is not due to the perfect structure of the Eustachian tube; it is wider and shorter than in adults.

An ear infection in a child often occurs due to the following diseases:

ARVI;
measles;
herpes;
flu.

Ear infection in adults penetrates the ear through hematogenous spread. Pathology occurs when there are such factors:

adenoids;
immunodeficiencies;
smoking;
alcoholism;
regular ARVI;
poor nutrition;
presence of chronic diseases.

The infection easily becomes chronic. If a person has recently had measles or flu, this form of ear inflammation can develop. Infectious otitis media can be prevented by following preventive measures and taking vitamin courses.

Clinical signs

The development of a disease such as bullous otitis media develops rapidly. With ARVI, patients often confuse the symptoms of this pathology with signs of a cold.

Characteristic symptoms of ear disease of viral etiology:

pain inside the ear;
itching in the organ of hearing;
"shooting" in the ears.

Viral otitis media symptoms may be accompanied by lack of appetite and irritability. When examining the auricle, bullae are visible. Severe pain subsides when one bull bursts, sulfur and blood flow out of it. Viral otitis also manifests itself in the form of painful spasms upon palpation. If a secondary infection occurs, the patient develops the following symptoms:

purulent accumulations in the ear;
pain in the organ of hearing;
bad breath;
nausea;
vomit;
dizziness;
insomnia;
elevated temperature;
weakness in the body.

In some cases, pain in the face and muscle asymmetry appear. These signs are caused by damage to the facial nerve.

Viral otitis media in children is more difficult to diagnose than in adults. Often, children suffer from hearing loss and ear pain. It is most difficult to identify the disease in infants, since they do not yet know how to speak and cannot talk about their complaints.

Ear infections in children manifest themselves as the following symptoms:

cry;
pain when eating;
insomnia;
temperature increase;
painful sensations when palpating the tragus.

These signs do not allow a person to live a full life and cause extremely unpleasant sensations. They must be eliminated with the help of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. An ear infection can lead to a number of complications. “Side effects” cannot be avoided if the pathology is not treated in a timely manner. You cannot prescribe medications for yourself; this must be done by a doctor. Doctors recommend combining traditional medicine and folk methods.

How to distinguish viral otitis from bacterial

It is important to know how to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. This knowledge will help to extinguish the source of inflammation in time and properly relieve symptoms.

Viral otitis is an acute inflammation of the hearing organs, which is characterized by a rapid course and vivid symptoms. The disease does not appear on its own; it develops as complications after colds.
Bacterial otitis media is a purulent inflammatory process localized in the outer ear area. The pathological process can spread to the tympanic membrane. The disease appears on its own, as a separate disease.

These diseases differ from each other in the nature of the discharge (in case of bacterial otitis, it is purulent, in the case of viral otitis, it is sulfuric or bloody). Ear infections of bacterial etiology are provoked by pathogenic microorganisms, and viral inflammations are caused by viruses. Both types of pathologies are treated for approximately 2 weeks, depending on the patient’s health condition. A timely diagnosis and competent therapy will play an important role. Only a doctor can tell you how to determine whether otitis media is viral or bacterial. It will be necessary to examine the ear cavity and submit ear discharge for laboratory analysis.

Treatment methods

Once the diagnosis is made, hospitalization is necessary in some cases. Viral otitis media in children under 2 years of age is treated in a medical facility. If the patient has a calm course of the pathology, there are no disturbances in the functioning of the hearing organs, they can be treated at home.

An ear infection of a viral nature can be treated with the help of such means and measures.

Opening polyps in the doctor’s office, treating the hearing organ with an antiseptic solution (Chlorhexine, Miramistin).
Instillation of anti-inflammatory drops into the ears. For example, Otipax, Otinumi, boric alcohol.
Use of antibiotics as ear drops (Sofradex, Tsipromed). Such measures are necessary in case of weakened immunity.
Turundas soaked in astringents (Burov's liquid).

This list of remedies may expand, depending on the patient’s condition. It is necessary to take medications that can eliminate bacteria and otitis media. A viral bacterial pathological process in the organ of hearing can also be treated with the help of physiotherapeutic measures. When muscle paralysis develops, the patient must be hospitalized. In most cases, surgery will be required to decompress the nerve branch. It is extremely important to prevent the disease from becoming chronic, since this form of the disease will recur after the slightest hypothermia.

Folk remedies

Treatment of viral otitis with folk remedies has been popular for a long time. “Grandmother’s” methods are famous for their accessibility, minimal number of contraindications and side effects. Herbal medicine effectively helps eliminate hearing diseases. Herbs such as string, St. John's wort, calendula, chamomile, and celandine will be relevant. Doctors recommend combining several medicinal plants to achieve maximum effect.

To prepare a potion from herbs, you need to take 1 tablespoon of any raw material, pour boiling water and let it brew for an hour. After this, strain the product and use it as solutions and compresses. You can also use a healing solution for turundas. Cotton wool or gauze must be dipped in liquid and placed in the ear for 4 hours or overnight. The herbal solution can be consumed in the form of drops. Instill 3 drops into the ear per procedure, 4 times a day.
An infusion of propolis, purchased at a pharmacy, can provide first aid for acute painful spasms in the ears. It is necessary to warm up the product, drop 3 drops into the ear, and cover with cotton wool. Lie down for half an hour. If pain is felt in both ears, you should drip the infusion into both ears, 3 drops alternately.
To relieve pain, you need to roll up a pelargonium leaf and insert it into your ear. This procedure will give a slight anti-inflammatory effect.
Steam chamomile and elderberry flowers with boiling water, mix, and apply to the inflamed organ of hearing.
Beet juice and honey. To prepare the potion, cut the vegetable into slices and cook with bee nectar for 10 minutes over low heat. Apply the mixture to the sore ear as a compress.
Place 1 drop of sea buckthorn and melted bee product into the infected ear organs. Cover the ear with cotton wool and keep the bandage on for 1 hour.

You cannot treat ear inflammation only with the help of folk recipes. This therapy will not be enough to completely eliminate the inflammatory process. “Old-fashioned methods” will help eliminate symptoms and improve the patient’s condition, but they are much more effective in combination with pharmaceutical drugs. If used incorrectly, there is a risk of complications. The same product produces different effects when treating pregnant women, children or adults. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using traditional recipes.

Pharmacy drugs

The pharmaceutical market provides buyers with a variety of remedies for ear inflammation. Just like traditional methods, you cannot choose pharmaceutical products yourself. Before purchasing a medication, you need to pay attention to its composition and carefully read the contraindications.

Among the popular medications for viral otitis are the following drugs:

antiviral agents, such as Ingavirin, Tsitovir, Kagocel, Viferon;
decongestants;
glucocorticosteroids Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, these medications are relevant for hearing loss and severe disease;
antibiotics Eiromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxilicin, they are used for secondary infection of the hearing organ;
analgesics, Nurofen, Ibuklin, Paracetamol, they are used for pain and inflammation of the ear, mild otitis media.

The above medications are effective for otitis media of bullous etiology. They will help remove unpleasant symptoms, eliminate bacteria, and relieve inflammation. Doctors recommend taking medications strictly on schedule, as many times as indicated in the instructions.

Possible complications

Untreated bullous otitis media or frequent relapses of the pathology lead to the disease becoming chronic. In this case, the signs of the disease constantly return, and the person begins to suffer from hearing loss. It is quite difficult to cure the chronic form of otitis media; the process will take a lot of time. Often it is necessary to perform surgical operations.

What consequences can happen if bullous otitis media is not treated on time?

Inflammation can spread to the facial part, resulting in paralysis and asymmetry.
Deafness appears, which cannot always be cured. With internal inflammation, the patient may experience complete deafness. Sometimes even surgery does not help restore hearing. Deafness is caused by destruction of the auditory bones, tympanic membrane, and labyrinth.
The inflammatory process in the organ of hearing is also dangerous due to loss of coordination, dizziness and headaches. These consequences are caused by the transition of inflammation to the vestibular apparatus.

In rare cases, the infection spreads to the brain, causing meningitis and an abscess. These phenomena are fraught with death.

Prevention of otitis media

To prevent the development of viral otitis media, you must carefully monitor your health. It is especially important to take care of prevention for people prone to respiratory diseases.

During outbreaks of respiratory diseases, it is recommended to wear masks and reduce the time spent in public places. If you have a quartz lamp at home, it is useful to do procedures using this device for preventive purposes.
Special vaccinations will help protect the body from attacks by bacteria or viruses. It is important not to miss them in childhood.
Strengthening the body's protective functions through hardening and balanced nutrition.
If a person has adenoids, they should be removed.
Sanitation of the nasal passages with saline solutions or herbal decoctions will help prevent the development of otitis media.

These simple measures will help protect a person from developing ear inflammation. Of course, it is impossible to completely prevent yourself from illness, but a healthy body copes with pathologies faster than a weakened one.

Ear diseases are not as common as colds, but they do cause discomfort. Few people know what to do if pain occurs and what symptoms indicate a particular disease. In adults, treatment of such diseases occurs under the supervision of a doctor; you should not self-medicate, otherwise in very difficult cases you can lose your hearing. To avoid this, we provide a list of the most common diseases, their causes, symptoms and treatment.

Causes of ear diseases

The prerequisites for the occurrence of such diseases may be infections or other factors. Sometimes ear pain can appear as a result of complications from other diseases or damage to the hearing aid itself.

Common causes of ear diseases are:

All of these factors worsen the body's resistance to various infections. The links are listed.

Symptoms and treatment of diseases

Painful sensations arise suddenly, a person may not immediately guess what the problem is and waits for the pain to go away on its own, but delaying treatment is fraught with consequences. Knowing the symptoms will help determine which disease is troubling you at the moment.

Otogenic sepsis

It occurs as a result of infections entering the ear and is accompanied by a severe degree of inflammation, in which harmful bacteria from the purulent part of the ear penetrate into the veins of the temporal part and sinuses. This disease occurs mainly in people under 30 years of age.

Symptoms

They are: tachycardia, shortness of breath, general weakness of the body, decreased blood pressure, body fever or chills. These symptoms can be confused with a cold, but in fact they are the first signs of sepsis.

Treatment

As effective medications, I also take antifungal drugs, which include: Econazole, Terbinafine and others.

To successfully treat this disease, you need to contact an ENT specialist in time, otherwise a blood transfusion may be required. Sometimes a drain is inserted into the abscess in the ear and the infected masses are removed through it.

Otitis

It comes in three types:

Otitis can be caused by various pathogens, such as ARVI and influenza viruses, Haemophilus influenzae, pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The listed harmful pathogens can enter the ear in several ways:

Treatment

Otitis media can be quickly treated if you consult a doctor in time, otherwise complications can arise that turn into a chronic form of this disease.

Antibiotics and vestibulolytics are used to relieve internal otitis. If the diagnosis reveals intracranial complications and purulent accumulations, surgical intervention may be required.

But what ear drops for removing plugs are the best and most popular, as well as what their name and application are, is described in this article:

What to do and what medicine to use if

Otitis media is treated with vasoconstrictor drops and painkillers, as well as antibiotics. In advanced cases, paracentesis may be prescribed, in which pus is removed by piercing the eardrum.

Therapy for external otitis involves the use of disinfectants and anti-inflammatory agents. You can wash the auricle with furatsilin or boric acid. Compresses that produce a warming effect are also welcome; taking antibiotics and performing physical procedures is not excluded. An elementary compress based on vodka is also good for warming, but alcohol cannot be used instead.

Used as antibiotics for otitis media:

Antiseptics are:

Anti-inflammatory drugs for this disease are special ear drops:

There are cases when drug treatment does not produce results, then surgical therapy is prescribed, and after the operation the patient immediately improves.

Bleeding from the ear

They can occur when the bones of the hearing aid are fractured and the eardrum is damaged. Also, other diseases are often accompanied by purulent tumors and injuries to the middle ear.

The correct treatment is prescribed by the doctor; without it you cannot self-medicate.

Hearing loss

And what consequences may there be. It leads to hearing loss, which worsens gradually; at the last stage of the disease, it is difficult for the patient to distinguish sounds even at a close distance from him. With a mild degree of illness, he can distinguish a whisper, but for this he needs to make an effort.

Treatment

At the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is prescribed, which includes taking drugs that improve blood supply to the brain and physiotherapeutic procedures. The complex course of the disease requires surgery.

Otomycosis

A disease caused by a fungus. It has an external and internal shape. Molds are able to penetrate through scratches, wounds and damage to the mucous membrane. Diseases such as AIDS, scarlet fever, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and decreased immunity as a result of long-term use of antibiotics contribute to the development of otomycosis.

Symptoms of the disease are:

Constant itching and noise.
Formation of plugs and crusts.
Wet discharge.
Ear congestion.
Dry skin around the ear.

Treatment

The main therapy for otomycosis is taking vitamins. External discharge and crusts on the ears should be removed with cotton swabs soaked in glycerin. Specialists use Miramistin to disinfect the ear opening. The following are used as systemic drugs: Nitrofungin, Levorin, Exoderil, Nystatin, Mycoheptin and others.

Ear mite

The disease rarely affects humans; it is called acariasis. Ixodid ticks can live in the human ear, but they are a temporary phenomenon, since in such an environment they cannot reproduce at full strength and die. If they are present, to eliminate them you need to rinse your ear with saline solution and 70% alcohol.

The demodex mite is more dangerous, it lives in hair, fat glands and outside the ear canal. It causes a disease called demodicosis. The mite affects the skin, after which it becomes inflamed and red. Therapy for this disease is the use of vasoconstrictor drugs - Trichopolum, Ornidazole and others. Cosmetic procedures will help eliminate mites: electrophoresis and laser coagulation.

Sulfur plug

Many people believe that it can be eliminated by using cotton swabs, but this is not so; if the ear is severely congested with wax and fatty deposits, which together form a plug, this may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

The plug can be removed using mechanical methods: curettage, washing, aspiration, or dissolving it using special preparations.

Neuritis

Appears as a result of injury or infections in the ear, this disease sometimes occurs during pregnancy, rheumatism, diabetes and other serious diseases. It causes loss of ear sensitivity and dull ear pain and headache.

Treatment

After a few weeks, the nerve inflammation may go away on its own; to ensure this, you need to introduce more raw vegetables and fruits into your diet. Worth a drink

Otosclerosis

Damage to the bone capsule of the ear requires immediate treatment. The growth of bone tissue can be observed both on the cochlea and is purely focal in nature. As a result, an obstacle to the passage of sounds is formed in the ear canal. The appearance of noise and the onset of hearing loss are symptoms of the disease.

Treatment

In this case, surgery cannot be avoided; stapedoplasty is used, in which the affected stapes in the ear is removed and a prosthesis is installed in its place.

Frequent ear diseases that arise as a result of infections or injuries are discussed above. Symptoms for each disease are different, but if they are identified in time, treatment will take place quickly and will not cause complications.