Otitis is one of the most common diagnoses in the daily practice of an otolaryngologist. In acute otitis media, we observe an inflammatory process affecting one of the parts of the human hearing organ. The appearance of acute pain in the ear is the main symptom signaling the onset of inflammation.

The disease is common among both children and adults. Although children are at increased risk of developing acute inflammation. This is due to the structural features of the child’s ear and weak, fragile immunity.

Diseases of the hearing organ, like any other disease concentrated in the head area, must be treated carefully and responsibly, since an infection through the bloodstream can easily reach the brain and cause irreversible consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to treat an acute inflammatory process as soon as the first prerequisites for the disease appear. Treatment of the disease should be carried out in a hospital, under the supervision of a competent doctor.

In this article we will look at how the disease develops, what treatment methods are available today, how complications of otitis manifest themselves and how to avoid them.

Types of disease

Inflammation that occurs in the organ of hearing can be chronic or acute. In acute cases of otitis, the disease lasts for up to three weeks, in chronic cases - more than three months. The chronic process starts when treatment of the acute form of otitis was not carried out or was not carried out at the proper level. There is also an intermediate form - subacute, when the duration of the disease ranges from three weeks to three months.

The human hearing organ is divided into three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. Otitis may appear in each of these areas. Based on the location of the inflammation, acute otitis media is distinguished, and inflammation of the inner ear, otherwise known as labyrinthitis.

External manifestations of inflammation, in turn, are divided into limited, manifested mainly in the form of a boil of the auricle, and diffuse otitis media. With diffuse otitis, a significant area of ​​the outer ear is affected.

Acute inflammation of the middle ear involves the tympanic cavity of the ear, the auditory (Eustachian) tube and the mastoid process. This type of hearing disease is the most common.

The disease of the internal part is called labyrinthitis (this part of the ear is called the labyrinth because of the similarity of its shape to the cochlea). As a rule, inflammation covers the internal part if the treatment of inflammatory disease of the middle ear was carried out late or the treatment for otitis media was chosen incorrectly.

Based on the causes of occurrence, infectious otitis media is distinguished, caused by various pathogens, and non-infectious (for example, arising due to exposure to allergens or ear injuries).

Otitis in acute form can occur in catarrhal (without the formation of secretion in the ear cavity), exudative (with the formation of fluid in the tympanic cavity) and purulent (with the presence of purulent masses) forms.

Acute otitis media of the middle ear: what causes inflammation?

The inflammatory process is always caused by pathogenic microorganisms, which means that the prerequisites for their activation must be present in the body. The causes of otitis media are:

• hypothermia;
• diseases caused by infection (flu, ARVI, measles);
• inflammatory processes of the ENT organs (the tympanic cavity is connected to the nasopharynx via the Eustachian tube, it is not surprising that the infection from the nasopharynx easily penetrates into the middle ear);
• improper nose blowing;
• hypertrophy of adenoid vegetations;
• rhinitis, sinusitis;
• allergic reactions;
• deviated nasal septum;
• foreign object in the ear;
• hearing damage.

Outer and inner ear: causes of inflammation

Otitis externa can develop due to improper ear hygiene. If you don't take care of your ears, dirt will accumulate in them, and this is a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. Excessive hygiene is also harmful: earwax is a natural barrier against the penetration of bacteria into the ear. If you diligently clean the ear canals every day, a person loses this barrier and opens the way for pathogens. Another mistake that leads to acute ear inflammation is cleaning the ears with sharp objects that are not intended for this (toothpicks, matches, hairpins). Such actions can lead to damage to the auricle, which in turn leads to infection entering the wounds. Another factor is dirty water that gets into the ear, which contains pathogens. “Swimmer’s ear” is another name for this type of disease.

As we have already said, inflammation of the internal region occurs due to undertreated otitis media, if due attention has not been paid to the treatment of otitis media. Bacteria can also get here from the meninges, for example, with meningitis. This type of inflammation can be caused by injuries and fractures of the skull or temporal bone.

In order to recognize the disease in time and choose the right treatment, you need to be able to identify its signs.

Symptoms

The acute course of the disease is characterized by a rapid onset and pronounced symptoms.

With a disease of the outer ear, a person experiences pain inside, which intensifies when pressing on it from the outside. Acute pain occurs when swallowing and chewing food. The ear itself swells and turns red. The skin of the auricle is itchy, the patient's complaints are reduced to a state of stuffiness and ringing in the ear.

In acute otitis media, the main sign of inflammation is the sudden appearance of sharp shooting pains, which become stronger by night. The pain can radiate to the temples, left or right frontal parts, to the jaw - it is very difficult to endure even for an adult, not to mention children. The following symptoms are also characteristic of acute otitis media:

• fever (up to 39°C);
• tinnitus;
• hearing loss;
• lethargy, malaise, loss of appetite;
• in the exudative form, discharge comes from the ear (usually this discharge is transparent or white);
• Acute purulent otitis media is characterized by suppuration from the ear.

The main symptom of labyrinthitis is dizziness. They can last a few seconds, or they can last for several days.

Friends! Timely and correct treatment will ensure you a speedy recovery!

If you notice one or more of the symptoms described above, you should immediately consult a doctor for treatment.

Stages of disease development

Treatment of acute otitis lasts from one to three weeks. There are several stages in the development of the disease. But it is not at all necessary that the patient will go through all of them. If treatment for infectious otitis is started on time and the acute disease is treated by a competent ENT doctor, recovery will not take long.

So, the course of the disease is conventionally divided into several stages:

1. Catarrhal. Pathogenic microorganisms begin to actively multiply, triggering an inflammatory process in the ear. At this time, catarrhal edema and inflammation are observed.
2. Exudative. Inflammation leads to active formation of fluid (secret). It accumulates and pathogenic microorganisms continue to multiply here. Timely treatment at this stage will allow you to cure otitis media, avoiding complications.
3. Purulent. Acute purulent inflammation is characterized by increased formation of purulent masses in the middle ear cavity. They accumulate, the patient experiences pressure from the inside. The state of congestion does not go away. This phase usually lasts from several days to several hours.
4. Perforated. At this stage, accumulated pus causes a rupture of the eardrum, and purulent masses emerge from the tympanic cavity to the outside. At this moment, the patient begins to feel noticeable relief, the high temperature decreases, and the pain gradually disappears. It happens that the eardrum is unable to rupture, then the doctor manually punctures the eardrum (paracentesis) and thereby releases purulent masses out into the ear canal.
5. The reparative phase - the release of pus is completed. The hole in the eardrum closes. As a rule, after proper symptomatic treatment, the patient quickly recovers.

Complications and preventive measures

As a rule, if you start treating the disease on time, treatment of acute purulent otitis, exudative or inflammation of any other kind, you can avoid any complications.

However, if treatment is not carried out and the disease progresses, the diagnosis can become chronic. The most serious consequences are: meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, facial neuritis, hearing loss. But these dangerous conditions can only appear when patients persistently neglect treatment for otitis media.

Preventive measures include the fight against existing foci of inflammation in the body, competent and timely treatment of ENT diseases, proper ear hygiene and, of course, strengthening the immune system.

Carrying out treatment

It is much easier to cure acute otitis media if treatment for the disease begins as early as possible. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of an otolaryngologist. Complex treatment includes the following activities:

• for acute pain, taking analgesics is indicated to relieve pain;
• to bring down the temperature you need to take antipyretic drugs;
• in difficult cases, antibiotic treatment is carried out;
• local treatment consists of using special ear drops, which are prescribed individually in each case. Self-selection of drops, as well as antibacterial drugs, is fraught with dangerous consequences for health.
• Antihistamines help relieve swelling;
• a good effect is achieved during physiotherapeutic procedures;
• surgical intervention: opening of the eardrum (paracentesis) is carried out if spontaneous rupture has not occurred.

All ENT doctor’s prescriptions must be followed in full: after all, following treatment recommendations is the key to a quick recovery.

What not to do during treatment

Some patients are overly self-confident and believe that a disease such as otitis media can be easily cured with the help of folk remedies and “grandmother’s” recipes. A wide variety of methods are used. This is a huge misconception!

The first mistake is that no foreign objects should be placed in the ear canal. Some are trying to use phytocandles, others, for example, geranium leaves. Such measures are fraught with the fact that leftover leaves may get stuck in the ear, which will provoke increased inflammation.

The second mistake is the use of heat and warming compresses for the purulent form of the disease. Some people replace compresses with a heating pad. At this stage of the disease, thermal heating will only increase the proliferation of bacteria.

The third mistake is trying to instill various oils or variations of alcohol into the ears. If during such treatment a perforation of the eardrum occurs, such instillations will not only cause pain, but will also cause scarring in the middle ear and eardrum.

Where to treat?

This is a question asked by many patients who unexpectedly encountered ear diseases. Among the variety of clinics and medical centers, it is very difficult to choose the best one, especially when, due to acute pain, it is not possible to concentrate on anything.

“ENT Clinic of Doctor Zaitsev” specializes exclusively in diseases of the ear, nose and throat.

Treatment of ear diseases, including otitis media, is our specialty.

Reception is conducted by highly qualified specialists with extensive practical experience.

Please do not delay treatment!

Call, make an appointment and come.

We will definitely help you!

Middle ear diseases dramatically worsen a person’s well-being. This area is supplied with a large number of nerve endings. Therefore, most pathologies are accompanied by severe pain. Such diseases require immediate treatment, as they threaten hearing impairment. Damage to the middle ear can also affect the balance organ, so patients often experience dizziness. It is important for every person to know about the causes and symptoms of middle ear diseases. After all, such pathologies are very dangerous to launch.

Reasons

Most often, such diseases arise as complications of other pathologies of the ENT organs. After all, the middle ear communicates with the nasal cavity and throat. The following infectious diseases can provoke inflammatory diseases of the middle ear:

• rhinitis;
• sinusitis;
• sinusitis;
• angina;
• flu;
• pharyngitis.

Bacteria and viruses from the nasal cavity and throat enter the middle ear and cause inflammation. Most often this occurs in people with reduced immunity.

However, pathologies of the hearing organ occur not only after infections. Otolaryngologists identify the following causes of middle ear diseases:

• ear irritation due to careless hygiene procedures;
• long exposure to the cold;
• water getting into the ear canal;
• loud sounds and changes in external pressure;
• hearing injuries;
• genetic defects in ear development;
• allergy;
• poor hygiene of the ear canal;
• old sulfur plugs.

Acute otitis media

Most often, patients experience acute otitis media - inflammation of the middle ear. Children are especially susceptible to this disease, since their hearing organ structure has its own characteristics. The infection enters the ear area from the throat or nose through the Eustachian tube. The most common causative agents of the disease are staphylococci, pneumococci and hemophilus influenzae.

How does this middle ear disease progress? Symptoms of inflammation are usually very pronounced:

1. There is a severe shooting pain in the ear, radiating to the head.
2. The temperature rises.
3. Dizziness is periodically noted.
4. The person experiences general malaise.
5. The patient complains about
6. There is a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the ear canal.
7. Hearing gets worse.

As inflammation develops, the middle ear cavity fills with exudate. The patient experiences severe pain, chills and constant dizziness. Middle ear disease accompanied by suppuration must be treated immediately. Otherwise, the inflammatory process may spread to the area of ​​the inner ear. This threatens the development of hearing loss, and sometimes complete hearing loss.

Influenza otitis media

This type of otitis occurs as a complication of influenza. In this case, the disease is caused not by bacteria, but by viruses. This pathology is otherwise called bullous otitis media. Bubbles called bullae form in the middle ear cavity. They are filled with serous fluid or bloody contents.

The patient is worried not only about pain, but also about discharge from the ear. When the bubbles break, a clear or reddish liquid flows out of the ear canal. This creates favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria. Therefore, it is urgent to sanitize the affected cavity and remove exudate. Otherwise, the infection can spread to the brain and cause meningitis.

Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is a serious disease of the middle ear. Symptoms of the disease resemble otitis media. However, with mastoiditis, the inflammatory process spreads from the tympanic cavity to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. This disease often develops as a complication of otitis media. Patients with congenital disorders of the bone structure are especially susceptible to this pathology.

In addition, the person feels pain behind the ears. It is accompanied by high fever and fever. The skin in the area behind the ear turns red and swells. Pus comes out of the ear canal. When you press on the skin behind the ear, pain is felt.

In advanced forms of mastoiditis, the process of the temporal bone is destroyed. The infection can spread to the brain or eyes, leading to meningoencephalitis and sepsis.

Glomus tumor

Refers to benign neoplasms. However, this is a very dangerous middle ear disease. A tumor consisting of glomus cells forms in the tympanic cavity or in the initial part of the jugular vein.

A person's hearing deteriorates, and the face becomes asymmetrical. These are external signs of illness. However, a glomus tumor can only be detected with an MRI or CT examination. In the picture it looks like a red clot behind the tympanic cavity.

This neoplasm is prone to proliferation. The tumor can spread to the brain and blood vessels, causing death. It is impossible to completely get rid of a glomus tumor; treatment is aimed at stopping its growth.

Qatar of the middle ear

Catarrh of the middle ear usually precedes purulent otitis media. Bacteria penetrate into the tympanic cavity by sharply blowing your nose or inaccurately rinsing the nasal passages.

With catarrh, the mucous membrane of the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed. The pathological process does not yet spread to the entire cavity of the middle ear. Bacteria stimulate the activity of glands that produce mucus. The patient has constant symptoms. They have a liquid consistency and contain an admixture of mucus. Exudate fills the ear canal, which leads to hearing impairment. The secretion of mucus creates favorable conditions for the growth of microorganisms. Subsequently, the patient develops otitis media.

Ear tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a fairly rare disease of the middle ear. This pathology accounts for approximately 3% of all cases of purulent otitis. This disease is never primary; it always develops against the background of pulmonary tuberculosis. The causative agent of the disease (Koch's bacillus) enters the tympanic cavity through the bloodstream or when coughing.

Tubercles and infiltrates form in the tympanic cavity. Later, ulcers appear in their place. In advanced cases, bone tissue is exposed, which leads to its destruction.

In the acute course of the pathology, the symptoms of the disease resemble those of purulent otitis media. If the tuberculosis process occurs in a chronic form, then the patient may experience only suppuration from the ear canal without pain.

Syphilis ear

Syphilitic lesions are rare diseases of the middle ear. It occurs in patients in the secondary and tertiary stages of syphilis. The causative agent of the disease (treponema pallidum) enters the cavity of the eardrum through the bloodstream.

Inflammation occurs in the middle ear, accompanied by the formation of nodules (gummas) and ulcers. Over time, this leads to tissue destruction. The pathological process can spread to the process of the temporal bone.

Syphilis of the tympanic cavity is very rarely accompanied by pain. Often patients complain only of tinnitus. Such patients are usually registered with a venereologist and rarely seek help from an otolaryngologist.

Diagnostics

If you experience unpleasant sensations in the middle ear (pain, congestion, noise), you should consult an otolaryngologist. The patient is prescribed the following tests and examinations:

• X-ray of the temporal bone;
• MRI and CT examination of the tympanic cavity;
• swab from the outer ear;
• bacterial culture of middle ear aspirate;
• audiometry.

If you suspect tuberculosis or syphilis, you must undergo a Mantoux test and take a blood test for the Wasserman reaction. However, damage to the middle ear usually occurs in the later stages of such pathologies, when the underlying disease has already been diagnosed.

Treatment

The choice of treatment method for middle ear diseases depends on the type of pathology. After all, each illness requires its own approach to therapy.

For otitis and catarrh of the middle ear, patients are prescribed oral antibiotics:

• "Amoxiclav";
• "Ampicillin";
• "Levomycetin";
• "Ceftriaxone".

In severe cases, drugs are administered in injection form. Topical use of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ear drops is also indicated. The following drugs are prescribed:

• "Otofa";
• "Tsipromed";
• "Otinum";
• "Sofradex";
• "Otipax".

If the ear cavity is filled with pus, then paracentesis is necessary. In this procedure, the doctor makes an incision in the eardrum. As a result, the exudate comes out. Then the inflamed cavity is sanitized and washed with antiseptics.

Treatment of mastoiditis is carried out with similar means. In most cases, this disease is amenable to conservative therapy. In late stages of pathology, surgery is indicated - mastoidotomy. Under anesthesia, the patient is incised into the subcutaneous tissue and periosteum, and then the affected areas of the bone are removed.

A humus tumor in the middle ear cannot be completely removed. To avoid dangerous complications, it is necessary to stop the growth of the tumor. For this purpose, the tumor is cauterized with a laser. This disrupts blood flow in the area of ​​the tumor and prevents further growth.

If a patient is diagnosed with tuberculosis or syphilitic damage to the middle ear, then it is necessary to carefully treat the underlying disease. Local treatment is the same as for ordinary otitis.

Prevention

How to prevent pathologies of the tympanic cavity? Prevention of middle ear diseases consists of following the following recommendations:

1. It is necessary to treat diseases of the nose and throat in time.
2. If water gets into your ear, remove the liquid immediately.
3. During rhinitis, you should avoid blowing your nose too harshly.
4. It is necessary to carefully observe the hygiene of the external auditory canal and remove wax plugs in a timely manner.
5. When cleaning your ears, you should use cotton swabs and avoid harsh impacts on the hearing organ.
6. Patients with tuberculosis and syphilis must regularly visit a doctor and follow the recommended treatment regimen.

If you experience any discomfort in the middle ear or persistent dizziness, you should immediately consult a doctor. This will help avoid hearing problems in the future.

Diseases of the middle ear are characterized by inflammation, which is caused by pathogenic microflora that penetrates into its cavity from other tissues with the flow of lymphatic fluid or blood, through the Eustachian tube and after traumatic lesions of the structures of the hearing organs.

It is customary to distinguish purulent and non-purulent diseases of the middle ear, with a complicated and uncomplicated course, caused by specific and nonspecific pathogens.

Classification of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear:

1. Acute and chronic catarrh.
2. (with, without perforation, allergic and infectious origin).
3. Mastoiditis.
4. Inflammation caused by injuries (wounds, blows, contusions).
5. Specific infections (tuberculosis, syphilis).
6. Chronic purulent otitis (complicated and uncomplicated).

Inflammatory processes are among the most dangerous, since the tympanic cavity borders on other parts of the hearing organs and is in close proximity to the brain tissue. Purulent diseases of the middle ear can affect surrounding organs and cause infection of the brain, which can cause disability or death of the patient.

Acute and chronic diseases of the middle ear

The most popular anti-inflammatory ear drops with an analgesic effect are and. They are prescribed to all age groups of patients with otitis, mastoiditis and other inflammatory processes.

Symptoms and treatment methods depend on the nature of inflammation of the middle ear. For exudative otitis media, the use of anti-inflammatory drops and antipyretics is sufficient.

If the inflammation is caused by respiratory infections, then gargling with Rotokan, Miramistin, herbal decoctions and instillation of vasoconstrictor drops into the nose - Vibrocil, Nazivin, Rinonorm - are additionally prescribed.

Additionally, to reduce itching and relieve swelling, antihistamines are prescribed: Zyrtec,.

Tsipromed.

Normax.

Otofa.

Anauran.

Candibiotic.

Treatment of middle ear diseases caused by infections and accompanied by a serious condition of the patient requires internal antibiotics. Broad-spectrum drugs are more often prescribed - Flemoclav, Azithromycin, Amoxiclav, Ampicillin, Ixim Lupine.

When the tympanic cavity fills with pus, middle ear disease causes severe symptoms and treatment requires surgery. The doctor performs a paracentesis procedure - he opens the eardrum so that the pus can drain out, and then rinses the ear with an antiseptic.

In severe cases of mastoiditis, it may be necessary to open the mastoid process, and after the pus has drained and washed, a drainage is inserted for several days.

If treatment for the middle ear does not relieve the symptoms and there is no improvement, then the treatment is changed. This can only be done by a doctor after re-examining and examining the patient.

If symptoms of inflammation of the middle ear appear in adults with HIV, then treatment should be carried out as early as possible and it is best to carry out therapy in a hospital setting of an infectious diseases department.

Glomus tumors cannot be removed, as they are closely intertwined with blood vessels and nerve fibers, and can often recur. Therefore, the main therapy is aimed at preventing tumor growth. To do this, laser surgery is performed on the vessels to stop the nutrition of the neoplasm.

If acute and chronic diseases of the middle ear are caused by specific infections, then therapy is carried out as for otitis media, but in addition, therapy for the underlying pathology is prescribed.

Disease Prevention

Prevention of middle ear diseases involves maintaining hygiene, strengthening the immune system, and timely treatment of respiratory infections and chronic foci of inflammation. Any wounds, insect bites, burns and other violations of the integrity of the skin near the hearing organs must be carefully treated so that bacteria do not penetrate into them.

It is especially important to carefully treat diseases in children, since with immature immunity there is a very high risk of the disease becoming chronic.

Otitis media is an ENT disease that is an inflammatory process in the ear. It manifests itself as pain in the ear (pulsating, shooting, aching), elevated body temperature, hearing loss, tinnitus, mucopurulent discharge from the external auditory canal. The severity of the pathological process depends entirely on the virulence of microorganisms, and the state of the human immune defense also plays an important role.

What it is, what are the first signs and symptoms of otitis media, as well as how to treat it in adults without consequences for the ear, we will consider further in the article.

What is otitis media?

Otitis is an inflammatory lesion of the inner, middle or outer part of the human ear, occurring in a chronic or acute form. The disease is characterized by damage to the structures of the outer, middle or inner ear, and patients present specific complaints. Symptoms in adults depend on the area of ​​inflammation, the addition of local or systemic complications.

The pathology can develop at any time of the year, but the peak of visits to the hospital occurs in autumn and winter, when people have not yet had time to switch from heat to cold.

Reasons

The causes and symptoms of otitis depend on the type of disease, the state of the immune system and environmental factors. The fundamental elements in the formation of the disease are the influence of air temperature, the purity of the water used for hygiene, and the time of year.

The causes of otitis are considered:

• Penetration of infection from other ENT organs - as a complication of a concomitant infectious viral disease;
• Various diseases of the nose, sinuses and nasopharynx. This includes all types of rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, (adenoid vegetations);
• Injuries to the ear;
• Hypothermia and weakened immunity.

Conditions that significantly increase the risk of developing the disease include:

• allergies;
• inflammation of the ENT organs;
• immunodeficiency states;
• performing surgical operations in the area of ​​the nasopharynx or nasal cavity;
• infancy, childhood.

Otitis media in adults is a disease that needs to be taken seriously and you need to know its symptoms, consequences and treatment.

Types of otitis

The structure of the human ear is divided into three interconnected parts, which have the following names:

• outer ear;
• average;
• inner ear.

Depending on which specific part of the organ the inflammatory process occurs, in medicine it is customary to distinguish three types of otitis media:

Otitis externa

Otitis externa can be limited or diffuse, in some cases it spreads to the eardrum, and is more common in elderly patients. Occurs as a result of mechanical or chemical trauma to the ear. A patient with otitis externa complains of throbbing pain in the ear, which radiates to the neck, teeth and eyes, and intensifies when talking and chewing.

Development is promoted by two factors:

• Infection caused by a sharp object (hairpin, toothpick);
• Entry and accumulation of moisture in the external auditory canal.

It often occurs when the ear is constantly in contact with water, such as when swimming, which is why it is called “swimmer’s ear.”

Otitis media ear

With otitis media, the inflammatory process occurs in the tympanic cavity. There are many forms and variants of the course of this disease. It can be catarrhal and purulent, perforated and non-perforated, acute and chronic. With otitis media, complications can develop.

Internal otitis

This type is also called labyrinthitis; its symptoms can vary in severity (from mild to pronounced).

Symptoms of otitis media are similar in all forms of the disease, but their intensity and some features depend on the type.

According to the nature of the disease, the following forms are distinguished:

• Spicy. It occurs suddenly and has severe symptoms.
• Chronic. The inflammatory process continues for a long time and has periods of exacerbation.

According to the ways in which otitis manifests itself, the following forms are distinguished:

• Purulent. There is an accumulation of pus behind the eardrum.
• Catarrhal. There is swelling and redness of the tissues, there is no liquid or purulent discharge.
• Exudative. Fluid (blood or lymph) accumulates in the middle ear, which is an excellent breeding ground for microorganisms.

The otolaryngologist determines how and with what to treat otitis media by establishing the type and degree of the disease.

Symptoms of otitis media in adults

The clinical picture of otitis directly depends on the location of the pathological process.

Symptoms:

• ear pain. This symptom is constantly disturbing and is the main one that brings the greatest discomfort. Sometimes the pain shoots into the teeth, temple, lower jaw. The reason for the development of this condition in otitis media is considered to be increased pressure in the ear cavity;
• redness of the ear canal, change in the color of the auricle;
• gradual deterioration of hearing, caused by the opening of abscesses and filling of the ear canal with purulent masses;
• temperature increase- most often there is an increase in body temperature, however, this is also an optional sign;
• ear discharge with external otitis they almost always occur. After all, nothing prevents the inflammatory fluid from being released.

Symptoms of otitis media are often accompanied by a runny nose, which leads to swelling of the nasal mucosa and congestion of the auditory tube.

	Symptoms and first signs
Otitis externa	In the case of the development of acute purulent local otitis externa (boil in the ear canal), the patient complains of pain in the ear, which intensifies with pressure or pulling on it. There is also pain when opening the mouth and pain when inserting an ear specula to examine the external auditory canal. Externally, the auricle is swollen and red. Acute infectious purulent diffuse otitis develops as a result of inflammation of the middle ear and suppuration from it.
Otitis media	How does otitis media manifest? high temperature; ear pain (throbbing or aching); decreased hearing function, which usually recovers a few days after the first onset of symptoms; nausea, general malaise, vomiting; purulent discharge from the ears.
Internal otitis media	The onset of the disease is most often accompanied by: tinnitus, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, balance disorder
Acute form	The main symptom of the acute form is severe pain in the ear, which patients describe as jerking or shooting. The pain can be quite intense, worsening in the evening. One of the signs of otitis is the so-called autophony - the presence of constant noise in the ear, not associated with sounds from the outside, ear congestion appears. Acute otitis media should always be treated completely, as the pus will begin to spread into the skull.
Chronic form	Periodic purulent discharge from the ear. Dizziness or tinnitus. Pain appears only during periods of exacerbation. Possible increase in temperature.

If you have symptoms of otitis, you need to urgently consult a doctor, who will correctly diagnose and tell you how to treat the inflammation.

Complications

Do not think that otitis media is a harmless cold. In addition to the fact that it unsettles a person for a long time, reducing his ability to work for at least 10 days, it is possible to develop irreversible changes with persistent deterioration or complete loss of hearing.

When the disease is allowed to take its course, the following complications may occur:

• rupture of the eardrum (as a rule, it takes 2 weeks for the hole to heal);
• choleostomy (tissue growth behind the eardrum, hearing impairment);
• destruction of the auditory ossicles of the middle ear (incus, malleus, stapes);
• mastoiditis (inflammatory lesion of the mastoid process of the temporal bone).

Diagnostics

A competent doctor diagnoses acute otitis without special devices and innovative technologies. A simple examination of the auricle and ear canal using a head reflector (a mirror with a hole in the center) or an otoscope is sufficient to diagnose otitis media.

As methods to confirm and clarify the diagnosis, a general blood test can be prescribed, which reveals signs of inflammation (increased ESR, increased number of leukocytes, etc.).

Instrumental methods include radiography and computed tomography of the temporal regions.

How to treat otitis media in adults?

Antibacterial drugs (antibiotics, sulfonamides, etc.) play a special role in the treatment of otitis media. Their use has a number of features - the medicine should not only act on the bacteria that cause otitis media, but also penetrate well into the tympanic cavity.

Treatment of inflammatory changes in the auricle begins with bed rest. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antipyretic drugs are prescribed simultaneously. A combination of drugs can effectively treat pathology.

Comprehensive treatment of otitis ear

Ear drops

It's no secret how acute otitis in adults is treated - drops in the ears. This is the most common medicine for otitis media. Depending on the type of disease, different drugs are used. Ear drops can contain only an antibacterial drug or be combined - contain an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory substance.

The following types of drops are distinguished:

• glucocorticosteroids (Garazon, Sofradex, Deksona, Anauran);
• containing anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs (Otinum, Otipax);
• antibacterial (Otofa, Tsipromed, Normax, Fugentin).

The course of treatment for otitis at home takes 5-7 days.

Additional tools:

1. In combination with ear drops for otitis, otolaryngologists often prescribe vasoconstrictor nasal drops (Naphthyzin, Nazol, Galazolin, Otrivin, etc.), thanks to which it is possible to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane of the Eustachian tube and thereby reduce the load on the eardrum.
2. In addition to the drops, the complex may also include antihistamines (anti-allergic) agents that have the same goal - relieving swelling of the mucous membrane. This could be Suprastin, Diazolin, etc.
3. To reduce temperature and reduce ear pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on paracetamol (Panadol), ibuprofen (Nurofen), nise are prescribed.
4. Antibiotics for otitis in adults are added to the treatment of acute moderate form with the development of purulent inflammation. The use of Augmentin has proven itself well. Rulid, Amoxiclav, Cefazolin are also effective.

In addition to the measures listed, physiotherapy procedures are used:

• UHF for the nose area;
• laser therapy for the area at the mouth of the auditory tube;
• pneumomassage focused on the area of ​​the eardrum.

If all the above actions did not lead to regression of the process, or treatment was started at the stage of perforation of the eardrum, then first of all it is necessary to ensure a good outflow of pus from the middle ear cavity. To do this, regularly cleanse the external auditory canal of secretions.

During the manipulation, local anesthesia is used. A puncture is made in the eardrum using a special needle, through which the pus is removed. The incision heals on its own after the discharge of pus stops.

• You cannot prescribe medications yourself, choose the dosage, or stop taking medications when the symptoms of otitis media disappear.
• Wrong actions taken at your own discretion can cause harm to your health.
• Before consulting a doctor, you can only take a paracetamol tablet to reduce pain. This drug is effective and has few contraindications. When used correctly, paracetamol rarely causes side effects.

Prevention

The main goal of preventing otitis in adults is to prevent the Eustachian tube from becoming blocked by thick mucus. This is not such a simple task. As a rule, acute rhinitis is accompanied by liquid discharge, but during treatment the mucus often becomes much thicker, stagnating in the nasopharynx.

1. Foci of chronic infection increase the risk of otitis media.
2. After swimming, especially in open water, you need to thoroughly dry your ears to prevent water and bacteria from getting inside. Especially for people prone to otitis media, antiseptic drops have been developed that are placed in the ears after each bath.
3. Regularly clean your ears from dirt and wax and maintain hygiene. But it is better to leave a minimum of sulfur, since it protects the ear canal from pathogenic microbes.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that otitis media is a very unpleasant disease. Do not think that all symptoms will go away on their own. Be sure to consult a doctor when the first signs appear. People often treat otitis unduly frivolously, not realizing that complications from this infection can lead to the most tragic consequences.