Parotid fistula is a rather unpleasant formation.The danger lies in the fact that in the initial stages it is quite difficult to notice. In this article we will talk about the causes of symptoms, symptoms, as well as methods of treatment of this disease.
Signs of illness
At its core, parotid fistula (ICD L98.8.0) is a hole with a small diameter, which is the entrance to the subcutaneous and interstitial passages. In simple terms, the disease is a hole in the ear. In some cases, the disease does not make itself felt for many years. After all, small formations do not pose any threat to health, and their development is asymptomatic. It is possible to detect parotid fistula in a child and an adult only during examination of the organs of hearing or during cosmetic procedures.
If the fistula threatens the patient's health, then its symptoms are more pronounced. Key features:
- the appearance of holes near or inside the ear;
- discharge of pus or white secretion;
- the formation of growths, having the appearance of leather tubercles;
- pain sensations;
- nausea and general weakness;
- temperature increase;
- swelling;
- tissue inflammation.
Similar symptoms indicate an infection in the hole. In this case, you should seek help from an otolaryngologist, who will prescribe adequate treatment.
Localization
In most cases, parotid fistula appearson the trestle or near the ear curl. But a hole with a small diameter can be localized within the facial mimic facial nerve. In this case, the treatment of the disease is difficult. Sometimes, through passages can form that extend over a considerable distance and affect neighboring organs. There were cases when the fistula went into the oral cavity, nasopharynx, middle ear and labyrinth.
Causes
Illness can occur due to a variety of factors. But they all fall into two main categories:
- congenital;
- acquired.
Врожденный околоушный свищ возникает из-за сбоев development of the child in the womb. In most cases, this is due to various complications during pregnancy. But often the occurrence of the disease is also influenced by genetic predisposition, because in 25% of cases the illness develops through the transmission of mutations of the recessive type.
Acquired parotid fistula
This type of disease can develop at any age. Main reasons:
- mechanical damage followed by suppuration of the wound;
- complications after surgery;
- infection;
- complications after otitis or other ear disease.
The size of the parotid fistula depends on the extentpurulent process. And with the formation of a wide hole, the risk of bacteria and microorganisms in the ear increases significantly. This leads to frequent inflammatory processes, especially if the fistula has access to another part of the organ.
Diagnostics
To determine the parotid fistula can otolaryngologist.First, a specialist conducts a superficial examination, and if a disease is suspected, he prescribes a pressure test. This study helps to detect fistulas. After diagnosing the disease, the doctor needs to find out the length and depth of the internal course of the fistula. This can be done using fistolografii. This study also shows the presence of branching stroke.
Treatment
When congenital type of disease is necessarycarefully investigate the course of the disease. If it does not manifest itself and does not pose a threat to the health of the child, then therapy consists of regular treatment of the ear with disinfectants. This is necessary in order to eliminate the formation of suppuration or infection. In the future, when the child reaches an older age, an operation can be performed to remove the fistula.
If suppuration or swelling is observedtissue, then you need to undergo treatment. At the initial stage of therapy, the doctor makes a small incision on the inflammation. This is necessary in order to give a purulent content. For further treatment, the patient is prescribed the following drugs:
- ointment "Levomekol";
- chlorhexidine digluconate solution.
After the inflammatory process stops, the opening of the fistula closes. But sometimes the course may again fester. In cases of frequent recurrence, an operation is recommended to remove the fistula.
Surgical intervention
Наиболее эффективным методом лечения является complete removal of the capsule and moves of the parotid fistula. The operation in most cases is performed by the traditional method. In this case, the fistula capsule is opened and its purulent contents are removed. In adults and older children, excision is performed in the hospital with local anesthesia. After the operation, the patient is prescribed antibiotics and antiseptics, as well as painkillers. "Chlorhexidine" and "Levomekol" are used for external treatment.
But lately, to remove the fistulanew methods are also used: galvano-acoustic and laser surgery. Thanks to such operations, the problem area is completely split, and the removal of the capsule and the excision of the passages help to prevent recurrence in the future.
Surgery is the best method of treatment, but carry it out.Only an experienced surgeon can. Indeed, near the parotid fistula there are a large number of facial nerves. And if they are touched or damaged, then the person’s mimicry is broken, it will be impossible to correct the error. In addition, if an incorrectly performed operation increases the risk of recurrence of fistulas. Relapse in this case is dangerous because the scar tissue masks the entrance to the tunnel, so a hidden purulent process develops.
Medication Therapy
Подобный метод лечения применяют, если свищ located in hard to reach places where an operation is not possible. In this case, the patient is prescribed a course of antibacterial therapy. Such a method of treatment allows to stop the inflammatory process. Drug therapy is especially effective in the early stages of the disease. With proper treatment, you can achieve complete disappearance of the fistula.
Recipes of traditional medicine
Before applying this or that remedy,It is recommended to consult with your doctor. Remember that self-medication can be quite dangerous. And with the wrong or inappropriate methods of therapy, instead of the desired relief, you will get a lot of complications. For the treatment of parotid fistula can be used such tools:
- Mumie. This substance has excellent healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. For the treatment of fistula dissolve a small piece of mummy in water and make lotions from this mixture.
- Hypericum Compresses from the decoctions of this medicinal plant will help to stop the inflammatory process, as well as accelerate wound healing.
- Mix equal parts of vegetable oil andvodka. Treat the affected area with this solution, put a cabbage leaf on top. Such a compress will help stretch the pus and arrest the inflammatory process.
Ear fistula is a rather unpleasant disease,which can significantly reduce the quality of life. And the sooner you seek medical help from a doctor and start treating an illness, the easier the treatment and the consequences of this disease will be. Be healthy!
