Purulent otitis is an affliction that is characterizedear inflammation and can be both chronic and acute. Its pathological process is completely dependent on the virulence of microorganisms and affects the state of the human immune system. Also, according to statistics, 30% is exactly the acute form of otitis media. Most often they are ill with children under 5 years old and the elderly, less often teenagers.
It can cause purulent otitis media (according to ICD - H66) and damage the organ of hearing:
- streptococci;
- staphylococci;
- pneumococci;
- hemophilic bacilli and various microorganisms.
Any inflammation of the ear is very dangerous, so you need to consult a doctor immediately after the first symptoms of the disease, which are described below, are detected.
Symptoms of this disease
At the first stage of acute purulent otitis, similar symptoms are identified:
- pain in the ear, which, growing, can give in the crown, temple and dentition;
- hearing loss;
- the appearance of various noises and congestion in the ear;
- hyperthermia;
- hyperemia;
- intoxication syndrome.
This initial stage of purulent otitis media lasts in adults and children, as a rule, up to three days. And after that, a transition to another stage occurs, and the patient has the following symptoms:
- Breakthrough membrane. At this point, there is a release of pus. This process can take up to 7 days.
- The pain in the ear gradually subsides.
- The general condition of the patient is stabilized.
- Body temperature is close to normal.
Signs of purulent otitis is difficult to confuse.
If time does not engage in treatment, then unpleasant complications will arise:
- rupture of the membrane;
- cholesteatoma;
- hearing loss;
- hearing loss;
- intracranial pathology;
- brain abscess.
When the first symptoms appear, it is importantSeek immediate medical attention for diagnosis and further therapy. Purulent otitis media affects both children and adults to the same extent. And no restrictions on gender.
How does the infection penetrate?
The main causes of the development of the disease are the penetration of the infection into the inner and middle ear and the decrease in the overall reactivity of the body.
This can happen in several ways:
- through the auditory tube;
- the infection penetrates the ear after damage to the eardrum;
- transmitted from the cranial cavity;
- the infection penetrates with blood flow (it is mainly observed in cases of influenza, scarlet fever, tuberculosis and typhoid).
The main reason for the development of this pathology is inadequate or improper treatment of acute ear inflammation.
Otitis has an acute and chronic form.
Chronic form
Chronic suppurative otitis is determined by inflammationdivisions of the middle ear. Its main characteristic is the course of purulent exudate from the ear cavity. Other features include hearing loss and perforation of the eardrum. This disease, it is worth noting, can manifest as chronic rhinitis and sinusitis.
Chronic otitis media can usually appear as early aschildren age. It can be caused by staphylococci, pneumococci and pseudomonads. This form of otitis can also be in the form of epitimpanitis. In addition to the mucous membrane, bone structures of the mastoid process are included in the pathological process. Its localization in the upper part of the membrane. This form is dangerous because dangerous complications such as meningitis, sepsis, osteitis and brain abscess are progressing in it.
Purulent otitis in a child usually occurs in an acute form.
Acute form
Acute otitis media begins after the penetration of pathogens into the ear. Stages of its development:
- CatarrhalThe progression of the inflammatory process. At this initial stage, exudate accumulates in the ear. There is pain in the ear, a sharp decrease in hearing. It is important to immediately consult a doctor. This disease is usually treated with antibiotics or physiotherapeutic procedures.
- Purulent form. If at the initial stage the appropriate treatment was not made, then a purulent exudate is formed, which begins to flow from the cavity.
- The inflammation subsides. The flow of pus stops and the symptom of hearing loss begins to predominate.
What are the causes of purulent otitis in a child?
Causes of otitis media
Практически любое лор-заболевание сопровождает mucus formation. After the amount of mucus begins to increase, the latter penetrates the Eustachian tube, thereby violating the ventilation of the tympanic cavity. Also the aggravation of this process is facilitated by pathogenic microorganisms.
The main causes of otitis:
- invasion of infection from concomitant ENT organs;
- diseases of the nose, nasopharynx and sinuses;
- injuries of the auricle;
- weakened immunity.
Effects
What are the consequences of purulent otitis media?
Хотя при этом болят в основном уши, но при infection may affect other organs as well. If the treatment was inadequate, it can lead to very terrible consequences. When the suppuration passes to the lower jaw and touches the salivary gland, it will lead to disability.
But no less dangerous is what isthe disease is not so easy to identify. There are cases when the disease may not be accompanied by pain in the ears. Often, when otitis is impaired gastrointestinal tract. All this happens because our ears and the abdominal cavity are connected by the same nerve. Therefore, often during otitis, especially in children, vomiting, constipation, and intestinal swelling may occur. In this case, your appendicitis will be suspected and referred to a surgeon. But it is better to diagnose inflammatory diseases in children by involving the otolaryngologist as well.
If suddenly the mother of the child thinks that he hasjust an upset stomach, and will not seek help from an appropriate specialist, the result will not be a correct diagnosis, and otitis in the meantime will develop into a more serious disease.
Chronic otitis media is very difficult to treat, whilethe quality of life is greatly reduced - hearing is disturbed, and in the ears there is an inflammatory process and pus occurs. Often the usual treatment is not enough, it is necessary to resort to surgical methods.
Otitis Diagnosis
An experienced and competent doctor reveals left-sided or right-sided purulent otitis without special devices. A simple examination of the auricle with the help of a head reflector is enough.
Diagnosis of otitis externa
With this type of otitis, the doctor pays attention.the skin of the ear and pays attention to the size of the auditory clearance. If it is severely narrowed or the eardrum is almost invisible and fluid discharge is noticeable, then the doctor makes a diagnosis of otitis externa.
Diagnosis of otitis media
With otitis media, the doctor is also limited to external examination. Distinctive features of this disease are reddening of the eardrum and its immobility.
These symptoms are easy to verify.The patient must inflate his cheeks without opening his mouth. This maneuver is often used by divers and divers to equalize the pressure in the ear. When air enters, the tympanic membrane bends, and when the cavity is filled with liquid, there will be no characteristic flexion.
In otitis, the perforation of the eardrum is visible immediately after pus overflows the ear and leaks when it breaks.
Diagnosis of internal otitis
In this case, hearing is investigated on a specialequipment called an audiometer. If the hearing acuity falls off markedly with a disease of otitis media, and there are bouts of dizziness, there is a suspicion of inflammation of the ear labyrinth or internal otitis. They use audiometry and resort to neurological examination.
Using computed tomography and x-rays
In acute otitis, radiography is used toconfirm its complication. All this can reveal severe intracranial infections. Although it is quite rare cases, but if such suspicions exist, the patient should undergo a CT scan of the brain.
Detection of bacterial flora in otitis
A study on the bacterial flora, at firsta glance would seem like a meaningless action. After all, to identify it will take a lot of time, and the result will be visible only after a week. But since habitual antibiotics do not help in all cases, the doctor can find out the result of smears, which microorganisms affected otitis media, and prescribe a suitable treatment.
What to do with purulent otitis?
Если у вас возникли дискомфортные ощущения в ушах - these can be aching pains or periodic congestion - you should immediately contact a specialist for treatment. If this is not done with the initial symptoms, the otitis media can become chronic, which can leave scars on the eardrum. But if you can not see a doctor on the same day, when you notice the first symptoms, you can use antihistamines orally, for severe pain - painkillers.
Self-medication can be dangerous
But do not self-medicate withhomemade recipes. Chamomile infusions, boric alcohol, onion or garlic juice, as well as various phytocandles cannot be used as a treatment for otitis All these "healing" drugs can lead to deafness for life.
But the worst thing is getting pus in the brain, which can lead to horrific consequences - a person can simply remain disabled.
Therefore, identify your symptoms in advance and as soon as possible, and it is better to immediately on the same day, contact your doctor.
How to treat purulent otitis media?
To treat this disease is still better in stationary conditions. Especially if purulent otitis is observed in a child. The attending physician draws up a treatment plan, taking into account the stages of the disease and the patient's condition.
- treatment of the preperforation stage:
- use of systemic and local drugs;
- half-alcohol compresses on the ear;
- antihistamines;
- antibiotics.
Treatment of purulent otitis should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician.
With the progression of this stage, it is also important to continue taking antibiotics and antihistamines. The course of treatment can be supplemented with such drugs:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- mucolytics;
- physiotherapy treatment: laser therapy, UV, UHF;
- removal of pus from their ear canal.
Treatment at the reparative stage:
- blowing off the auditory tube;
- the introduction of drugs into the tympanic cavity to prevent adhesions;
- receiving biostimulants;
- vitamin therapy.
Необходимо лечиться с помощью антибиотиков, because these drugs have the ability to eliminate the cause of progression. It should be noted that only a specialist should prescribe a group of drugs. It is unacceptable to arbitrarily take AB, it can only aggravate the situation. Antibiotics should be taken according to a precisely defined pattern. If any problems are found during treatment, the doctor may change the drug.
An important goal in the prevention of otitis media is tothat the Eustachian tube is not blocked by thick mucus. In order not to allow otitis to develop, it is necessary to promptly seek the help of a doctor and treat ENT diseases, whether it is a banal rhinitis or antritis.
