Acute otitis is a rapidly developing infectious and inflammatory lesion that occurs in the middle ear cavity. This is a common pathology in adult otolaryngology. With acute otitis, the likelihood of developing labyrinthitis, intracranial complications and paresis of the facial nerve is high.
Causes of acute otitis media
Most acute otitis media are caused by a common streptococcal infection. Also there are diseases caused by pneumococci and staphylococci. Penetrating pathogens through the ear tube during the moment when it is weakened. This happens when:
- rhinitis;
- laryngitis;
- tumors of the pharynx and nasal cavity;
- angina;
- the lake;
- pharyngitis;
- laryngotracheitis;
- surgical interventions performed in the pharynx or nasal cavity.
Infection can get through the damaged eardrum. This happens with ear trauma. Acute catarrhal otitis media is often observed in general infections:
- influenza;
- rubella ;
- measles;
- tuberculosis;
- diphtheria.
Symptoms of acute otitis media
Acute otitis on average lasts 2-3 weeks. There are three consecutive stages of the development of the disease, which is characterized by certain clinical manifestations:
- The preperforative stage is characterized by a sudden, intense and shooting pain in the ear. The strongest pain in acute catarrhal otitis leads to sleep disturbance and even a decrease in appetite. They can irradiate to the parietal or temporal region, accompanied by noise, and sometimes, with stagnation. Also at this stage, the temperature can rise to 39 ° C, there is a chill and a feeling of weakness.
- Perforating stage - occurs as a result of the accumulation of a large amount of pus in the tympanic cavity, when it breaks. Through the formed hole, go mucopurulent or even bloody discharge. In this case, the patient's well-being with acute purulent otitis can improve markedly, the pain subsides, and the temperature rises.
- Reparative stage - characterized by a decrease or cessation of suppuration. In the tympanic membrane, scarring of the perforating hole occurs and the hearing is completely restored.
Such a clinical picture is not always observed. The delay in the formation of the perforation of the membrane can lead to a very rapid spread of infection to nearby tissues and the cranial cavity, which triggers the development of intracranial complications. That is why the treatment of acute otitis media of the middle ear is best right after the appearance of the first signs.
Treatment of acute otitis media
As a rule, treatment of acute otitis takes place in an outpatient setting. Urgent hospitalization is only indicated if complications develop. To stop even the strongest pain syndrome in the preperforative stage, ear drops are used-anesthetics. It can be:
- Otypax ;
- Otinum;
- Anauran.
Bury them a little warm, followed by closing the ear canal with a piece of cotton wool. To improve the drainage function of the auditory tube and to remove puffiness, antihistamine and vasoconstrictive nasal drops are used:
- Otrivin;
- Nazivin;
- Sanorin;
- Halazolin;
- Tysin.
In the perforated stage for the treatment of acute otitis media are used together with all the above mentioned mucolytics:
- ATSTS;
- Fluimucil;
- The Sinudrat.
Assign physiotherapy procedures:
- laser therapy;
- UHF;
- UFO.
In the reparative stage, therapy is aimed at preventing the formation of adhesions, a rapid increase in the defenses of the body and the restoration of all functions of the auditory tube. To do this you need:
- Purge the auditory tube.
- Introduce proteolytic enzymes into the tympanum.
- Take biostimulants (Apilak or Actovegin).