322
Acute otitis media
You are diagnosed with acute otitis media - what does this mean? This disease is an inflammation affecting the structures of the middle ear. It is manifested by a decrease in hearing and ear pain, posing a danger not only to the auditory system, but also to neighboring organs.
Causes of
Acute otitis media (OA) is a pathology of bacterial or viral origin. The infection enters the ear mainly through the Eustachian tube from the nasopharynx, less often from the auditory canal. Most often, pathological microorganisms enter the middle ear cavity when a person sneezes, coughs or blows his nose.
Infectious infection
Acute otitis is provoked by streptococcus, pneumococcus, and staphylococcus bacteria. Also, it can be diphtheria or hemophilic bacillus, influenza viruses, measles, ARVI and other microorganisms. Sometimes inflammation in the middle ear is caused by fungal spores.
Concomitant factor
- Inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract - tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis
- Body hypothermia
- Blowing ears in a draft
- Weakening of immunity
Symptoms of acute otitis media
When acute otitis media develops, the symptoms are divided into local and general.
local
The disease is clinically manifested:
- A feeling of congestion in the ear
- Hearing impairment is most often unilateral
- Earache
General
In the acute form of otitis media, the symptoms are as follows:
- Weakness and malaise
- Increased body temperature
- Confusion
- dizziness
Types of acute otitis media
The disease can occur in a catarrhal and purulent form.
Catarrhal
First, catarrhal acute otitis media develops. The structures of the middle ear become inflamed and swollen, their covers redden. At the same time, the person feels a sharp ear pain. Gradually, serous fluid begins to accumulate inside the tympanic cavity. If catarrhal otitis media is not cured in time, it turns into a purulent form.
Purulent
Acute purulent otitis media is a more advanced form of the disease. In this case, there is an accumulation of pus inside the middle ear cavity and suppuration of tissues. Most of all, this process affects the tympanic membrane, but it can affect the auditory ossicles and other structures. In case of perforation of the tympanic septum, pus starts leaking from the ear. The general symptoms of the disease worsen - the temperature rises to 38-39 °C, nausea and vomiting are possible.
Diagnosis of the disease
Acute otitis media can be detected by otoscopy. This is a modern instrumental examination method that allows to assess the condition of the ear canal, eardrum and other structures of the ear. Also, in the diagnostic process, a tank culture is taken - to identify the infectious agent.
Acute otitis media in children
Many parents cannot suspect acute otitis media in a child in time. This is due to the fact that there are no visible signs of the disease, and children do not always understand that something is wrong with their ears. But if you notice that the baby is scratching his ear and asking again - take him to an otolaryngologist. After all, if otitis media starts in childhood, it can lead to severe hearing impairment, which cannot always be cured completely.
Features of treatment at "Betterton"
If you or your child has acute otitis, treatment in our ENT center will save you from this problem. Here, modern methods of therapy are used, which remove the inflammatory process without the risk of complications and relapses. Experienced doctors understand the causes of the disease and select an individual scheme for each patient - taking into account the anamnesis, age and other characteristics.
At the diagnosis of otitis media treatment at "Betterton" includes taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, introducing turunds into the ear and other medical procedures. Physiotherapy may be prescribed to consolidate the effect.
Prevention
Strengthening immunity and timely treatment of inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs will help prevent acute otitis media. It is also recommended to avoid drafts and hypothermia, lead a healthy lifestyle, wear a hat in cold weather.
Possible complications
Acute otitis media necessarily requires professional treatment. Otherwise, serious complications are possible, up to hearing loss. The greatest threat is acute purulent otitis. Manure needs to go somewhere, and it can go in two ways:
- Outside, perforating the tympanic membrane
- In the cavity of the skull, provoking the development of meningitis, brain abscess and other dangerous conditions that threaten human life
To prevent this, you need to consult an otolaryngologist at the first symptoms. Doctors of our center are always ready to help patients with treatment of acute otitis media. Sign up for a consultation at a time convenient for you!
