Ear infection. Otitis

Inflammation of the ear (middle) can be triggered by complications of viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. If the virus that strikes the nasal cavity moves along the auditory pathways that extend to the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, there is swelling in the mucous membranes. In this case, the alignment pressure of the paths is disturbed. Inflammation of the ear (middle) - otitis - occurs as a result of these processes.

The causes of the disease may be anomalies in the development of the auricle, the penetration of infections, incompletely cured viral diseases, as well as mechanical damage. After the therapy with antibiotics, ear inflammation can occur, in the opinion of specialists, due to insufficient dosage of medications, which, in turn, leads to resistance of the causative agent of the disease.

Distinguish between acute and chronic lesions. In this case, regardless of the form of the flow, inflammation of the ear (middle) occurs for similar reasons. As a rule, diseases are provoked by viruses - staphylococci, streptococci, anaerobic bacteria, which affect the organism extremely negatively at the time of a decrease in its protective resources.

Ear infection. Symptoms.

The pathological processes that arise in various departments of the organ are very diverse.

Given the stages, the inflammation can be catarrhal, serous or purulent.

Of the three parts of the organ, the drum cavity and the auditory tube are most prone to pathologies. In rare cases, the inflammatory process affects the mastoid process. It should be borne in mind that the acute form always involves all parts of the body. However, in one of them, pathology is more pronounced than in others. However, the general term "acute otitis media (middle)" is considered to be a definition of inflammation only in the tympanum. The pathological process that develops primarily in the auditory tube is called "eustachiitis," and in the mastoid process, mastoiditis.

Frequent and sudden simultaneous development of inflammation in two, and in some cases, three departments of the body. It follows that it is not possible to treat pathologies separately. This is due to the fact that violations of protective, drainage and ventilation functions in the auditory tube with the development of acute eustachyte inevitably provoke structural and functional disorders in other parts of the middle ear.

In children, manifestations of pathology are noted in the form of sharp soreness (especially at night) and a rise in temperature. The child shows anxiety, twists his head, cries. With the development of purulent inflammation, discharge from the ear is noted . Undoubtedly, this form of pathology requires immediate medical care, in connection with the danger of complications in the form of meningitis, abscess, encephalitis.

In adults, the symptoms are not as pronounced. The main, and in many cases, the only sign of the disease may be ear congestion. The purulent course of the disease is characterized by an increase in temperature, the development of shooting pains.

How to treat the ear?

First of all, it should be said that any therapy should be accompanied by a specialist's supervision. Only a doctor is competent to assess to the full extent the degree of development of the disease and to select the best methods of influence.

The most dangerous form of otitis is purulent inflammation. This requires the use of antibiotics. This form may be a consequence of the time of not cured acute pathology. In addition to antibiotics and antiviral medicines, vasoconstrictive nasal drops are prescribed, which contribute to patency in the auditory tube. In addition, the intake of vitamins is also mandatory.

When the manifestations of the disease are not pronounced, warming compresses and ear drops can be used (if the tympanic membrane is not damaged).