Acute left-sided tubo-otitis. Treatment of tubo-otitis at home: how to get rid of the disease without making it worse? How to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms

If the ear is unpleasantly stuffed, there is a crackling, noise, resonant echoes of your voice during a conversation - this is the beginning of the tubo-otitis disease. Infectious or allergic inflammation of the mucous membranes in the area of the Eustachian tube and tympanic cavity.

The disease is an extremely dangerous complication: the development of purulent otitis media with unpredictable severity consequences, which can only be protected from timely proper treatment as prescribed by an otolaryngologist.

In each clinic, it is imperative to hang out memos for those who like to walk in the winter without a hat, a scarf, where it should be written in capital letters that even a slight hypothermia of the head and neck can lead to hearing loss.

It is important to explain in detail in them to adults and children the danger of tubo-otitis and its complications. And also talk about the correct methods of treatment and prevention of disease. Only then will the number of people risking their health due to ignorance be significantly reduced.

Unilateral ear disease, or bilateral type of tubo-otitis (in both ears) is characterized by the development of an acute inflammatory process on the mucous membranes of the Eustachian tube due to infection with pathogenic microorganisms. Or due to the hyperreactivity of the mucous membranes to allergens.

How the disease develops:

Edema forms in the auditory tube, which prevents ventilation air circulation.
The pathogenic flora produces an increased amount of serous, mucous, or purulent exudate. Fluid fills the airways, which reduces hearing function.
Violation of the patency of the lumen of the Eustachian tube and stagnation of exudate in the tympanic cavity leads to a pathological change in internal ear pressure. This provokes the development of sharp pain, a kind of "gurgling", "lumbago".
Lack of proper treatment will inevitably lead to rupture of the tympanic membrane under fluid pressure, the outpouring of exudate into the inner ear, and suppuration. As a result - damage to the auditory nerve.

To avoid dire consequences, you need to know why tubo-otitis is formed, and, if possible, prevent the development of the disease by eliminating the factors provoking it.

Causes of occurrence

All pathogenic microorganisms enter the auditory tube from the nasopharynx. Tubo-otitis can develop against the background of the following diseases:

SARS caused by parainfluenza viruses, influenza, enteroviruses, reoviruses, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, herpes viruses, and other pathogens. Almost all of these diseases are accompanied by a severe runny nose. Infected with pathogenic flora, mucus from the nose when sneezing, blowing your nose is thrown into the Eustachian tube, provoking inflammation.
Bacterial diseases: tonsillitis, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, pneumonia. And in children - measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, diphtheria weaken the protective properties of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, which is why the pathogenic flora from the nose, mouth, throat freely captures and affects the nearby parts of the hearing organs.
Untreated infections of the gums and teeth often become the root cause of the development of tubo-otitis (caries, stomatitis).
Inflammation of the Eustachian tube can be provoked by adenoids, polyps, tumors, congenital and acquired deformities of the nasopharynx due to mechanical overlap of the auditory lumens.
In children, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the Eustachian lumen and tympanic cavity occurs due to the penetration of a foreign object into the ear canal.
Allergic hay fever is expressed by a severe rhinitis. With congestion in the nasal sinuses, edema of the mucous membranes often develops, then infection with the bacterial flora of the auditory lumen and the tympanic cavity of the ear joins.
In some cases, barotrauma during diving, flying in airplanes becomes the cause of tubotitis.
Contamination is facilitated by the flow of dirty water into the ear, seeded with pathogenic microorganisms. In this case, the presence of dense sulfur plugs is dangerous, the swelling of which under the influence of liquid leads to clogging of the lumens.

The structure of the hearing organs in a small child is imperfect: the air passages are narrow, short, therefore, tubo-otitis threatens them more often than adults.

Improper baby care can provoke the disease: cleansing the passages with cotton swabs, water leaking into the ears when bathing, using poor-quality shampoos to wash the hair.

Symptoms of tubo-otitis

The difference between the signs of acute and chronic tubo-otitis is explained by the different degree of damage to the hearing organs.

Acute initial stage

Edema of the mucous membrane developing for the first time in tubo-otitis, narrowing of the lumens of the Eustachian tubes are characterized by the following pronounced symptoms:

Indistinct noise, distant hum in the ears.
Autophony (echo-type echoes of your own voice).
Gurgling sensation, as when pouring liquid.
The decrease in hearing ability is insignificant (depending on the volume of exudate in the tympanic cavities).
An adult's temperature is slightly elevated (up to 37.5 degrees), or normal, in children - in subrephilic values (37 - 38.3).
The congestion of the ears is unstable: it appears, then disappears after swallowing, yawning.

Pain with catarrhal tubo-otitis may be absent, or manifest as slight sensations of heaviness in the head, ear.

Chronic tubo-otitis

Signs of the progression of tubo-otitis into the chronic stage:

The ability to hear the interlocutor deteriorates.
There is an alternation of episodes of decrease and exacerbation of manifestations of resonant autophony, noise,.
Hyperemia of the integument inside the ear canal is noted.
Pains from the side and head appear.
During otoscopy, doctors discover a significant narrowing of the lumens of the Eustachian tubes, sticking of their walls with exudate, pathological changes in the area of the tympanic membrane and thinning of the mucous membrane.
The chronic course of tubo-otitis is often accompanied by the following symptoms: persistent congestion of the sinuses, lack of coordination, dizziness, and insignificant amounts of exudate from the ear.

Signs of tubo-otitis in children and adults practically do not differ, however, babies often suffer from a bilateral disease, and people of the age - unilateral inflammation, which can subsequently pass from one ear to another.

Treatment for adults

Timely use of drugs quickly relieves the inflammatory process, the disease recedes after 1 - 2 weeks

How to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms

The primary task of the otolaryngologist is to destroy the pathogens that caused the inflammation of the Eustachian tube:

with bacterial lesions of the mucous membranes, drugs containing antibiotics are prescribed (Amoxicillin, Bioparox, Tsipromed);
if the nature of the disease is viral - antiviral agents (Cycloferon, Anaferon, Acyclovir, Arbidol);
with a fungal infection - antimycotic drugs;
with hay fever - antiallergic drugs.

All medicines are permissible for use only with the permission of an otolaryngologist.

Standard List of Medicines

The usual treatment regimen for non-microbial catarrhal tubo-otitis to reduce swelling and inflammation includes the following list of drugs:

Fluids for washing the nasal passages (Aquamaris, Saline, No Salt, Chlorhexidine Humer).
Antiseptics (Miramistin, Protargol).
Pain-relieving pills (Ketonal, Ketanov).
Vasoconstrictor nasal drops (Vibrocil, Sanorin, Adrianol, Nazol, Nok Spray, Xilen, Farmazolin).
Antihistamines (Citrine, Erius, Lordestin, Loratidin).
Drops for treating ears, recognized as the most effective for tubo-otitis: (Polydexa, Otofa, Otipax, Izofra, Removax) are used only if the eardrum is not damaged. If necessary, medicinal solutions are injected into the ear cavity through special catheters.

The doctor blows the auditory tube (according to Politzer). Appoints physiotherapy (UFO, electrophoresis, UHF).

Tubo-otitis in children

Treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of an otolaryngologist and allergist.

List of drugs:

With bacterial infections. Tsipromed, Otofa - drip solutions for ears with antimicrobial action. Antibiotics for internal consumption: Azithromycin, Amoxicillin.
Antihistamines: Zodak, Suprastin, Erius, Claritin.
Vasoconstrictor (nose) drops: Naphthyzin, Otrivin.
If necessary, the doctor prescribes immunomodulators (Amiksin, Immunorix) and corticosteroid drugs (Nasonex).
Timely blowing and physiotherapy help to get rid of inflammation.

To destroy the infection in the mouth and throat, absorbable lozenges, lozenges, tablets are used: Imudon, Lizobakt, Grammidin, Neoangin. In addition, frequent swallowing movements help to speed up the cleansing of the ear canals.

Home treatment

Before visiting a doctor, you should not put compresses, bury homemade tinctures, lubricate the mucous membranes of the ears and nose with oil solutions on medicinal herbs.

Self-medication can distort the picture of the disease beyond recognition, and also lead to a worsening of the patient's condition.

Do not use herbal treatment for adults and children for any type of allergy. There is a risk of sudden onset of anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, urticaria rashes and the development of bronchospasm.

Disease prevention

The main measure to prevent the development of tubo-otitis is the timely treatment of infectious diseases.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid of allergies, therefore contact with foreign protein fractions of allergens should be avoided.

What other recognized health factors are saving our ears:

Cleanliness - prevents the spread and activation of pathogenic microbes.
Hardening - helps to increase the body's immune defenses.
Movement - protects against stagnation of biofluids inside the cavities of the nose, ear, and respiratory organs.
The absence of bad habits: smoking, gluttony, alcoholism allows the body to timely destroy any dangerous bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens without the use of drugs. If the body is not poisoned by toxins, a uniquely coordinated mechanism of self-purification of body cells by leukocytes and macrophages is quickly triggered.

The most important rule of health is to avoid stress. It is not for nothing that for centuries the folk wisdom has been passed from mouth to mouth among the people: "All sores are from the nerves."

The danger of untreated tubo-otitis in a timely manner is the spread of the infection through the barrier of the tympanic membrane to the areas of the middle, inner ear and beyond. Otitis media occurs, threatening damage to the auditory nerves, blood poisoning, intoxication of brain cells.

In addition, the formation of adhesions, atrophic transformation of the tissues of the hearing organs is possible. Take care of your health and those of your loved ones, do not delay your visit to the otolaryngologist.

We bring to your attention a video that explains the features of the symptoms and treatment of otitis media in adults and children:

In contact with

Tubo-otitis is an inflammatory disease in which the auditory tube is damaged. The tissues undergo pathological changes, as a result of which hearing is impaired. Tubo-otitis is one of the stages of catarrhal otitis media. In this case, there is a violation of the ventilation of the middle ear.

This opens up free access for bacteria to spread deeply. If you do not start adequate therapy, then otitis media occurs. It already leads to more serious symptoms and the development of severe complications.

Symptoms

You can recognize tubo-otitis by such a sign as hearing impairment. The inflammatory process can be both unilateral and bilateral. In acute course, the following clinical picture is noted:

ear congestion;
hearing impairment;
noise in the ear;
gurgling when swallowing;
heaviness in the head, turning which gives the impression of an overflowing liquid;
resonance of the voice in the ear.

During swallowing movements and yawning, there is an improvement in hearing. These changes are the result of improved patency of the auditory tube. Hearing loss is moderate. In an acute course, a decrease of up to 30 dB occurs.

Terms of treatment

In the normal course of the pathological process in an adult, the duration of therapy is 1-2 weeks. But there are situations when it sometimes comes to a month.

Medical treatment

With an inflammatory lesion of the auditory tube, the doctor may include local drugs in the therapy regimen. They can be introduced into the pipe itself. To perform such manipulations, it is necessary to be present in the hospital, since the doctor must perform all activities on an outpatient basis. As a rule, glucocorticosteroids are injected into the auditory tube.

Glucocorticosteroids

They can be in the form of a solution, the purpose of which is to stop the inflammatory process. They can also use proteolytic enzymes to thin the edematous fluid.

In addition, the doctor will prescribe the following medications:

The use of drops with a vasoconstrictor effect. They effectively deal with edema of the auditory tube. The most effective are Sanorin, Nazivin (and this is what Nazivin drops look like for children, this one will help to understand) and Otrivin.
Boric alcohol should be dripped into the ear... It will reduce unpleasant symptoms and at the same time disinfect the inflamed area.
Boric alcohol
Ear blowing, pneumatic massage... The purpose of these procedures is to remove serous fluid from the auditory tube.
Ear pneumomassage
Using glucocorticosteroid sprays... They are used to irrigate the nasal cavity to reduce inflammation. Nasonex is most often used (but how to apply, this article will help you understand).
Nazonex
Use of immunomodulators... They increase the body's immunity. Such drugs as Poludan, Immunoriks, Amiksin (but how to take Amiksin with flu, this will help you understand) and Taktivin are considered effective.
Antibacterial drugs for severe disease... Thanks to them, it is possible to eliminate the cause of the pathological process and prevent it from passing into a purulent form. The most commonly used drugs are macrolides and penicillins.
Physiotherapy. It is used as an adjunct to mainstream treatment. Thanks to physiotherapy, it is possible to improve the effect of medications and speed up recovery. Microcurrents, magnetotherapy, UHF, laser treatment and electrical stimulation are considered effective.
Physiotherapy for the ears

To restore intra-ear pressure, you need to use the following simple and effective exercises:

move the tongue, making movements back and forth;
to yawn;
move the lower jaw to the right and to the left;
just swallow with your mouth closed;
inhale the air of one nostril, and exhale through the other;
inhale air with a closed nose;
use chewing gum.

If the therapy of acute inflammation was started at an early stage, then the patient will fully recover within 6-7 days. In the chronic form of pathology, the effectiveness of therapeutic measures depends on the degree of hearing loss, as well as on the timely detection of the cause of the development of tubo-otitis.

But how the treatment of otitis media occurs will help to understand the content of this article:

You may also be interested to know which is the best antibiotic for otitis media in adults is the best, you can find out

Unconventional

In folk medicine, there are many effective recipes that help cure tubo-otitis. They can only be used in combination with the main treatment and after consulting a doctor. If tubo-otitis is of an allergic origin, then non-traditional methods should be used with a special approach. The following recipes remain the most effective:

Take a large onion, cut off the top, add caraway seeds there and cover with the top of the head. Now wrap the vegetable in foil and place in the oven for baking. Now you can squeeze the juice from the onion, and chop the onion itself. Apply the liquid as ear drops, performing the procedure 3 times a day. If it was diagnosed, then the manipulation should be performed one by one. You may also be interested to know how you can use
Lemon balm tincture. To prepare it, you need to use vodka. Take 20 g of raw materials and add a glass of vodka. Before mixing the products, the lemon balm must be finely chopped. Infuse it for 14 days. And filter before use.
Common calamus. With its help, you can restore hearing. It is necessary to pour 20 g of raw materials with 200 ml of water. Boil over low heat for half an hour. Filter, add the missing amount of water. Take 20 g of broth 2-3 times a day.
Healing mixture... Mix 5 g of propolis, 10 g of honey, 15 ml of cocoa butter, 20 ml of calendula juice and 30 ml of sea buckthorn oil. In the resulting composition, moisten a cotton swab and insert into the ear canal. Keep there for 20 minutes.
Propolis and vegetable oil. Combine 30% propolis tincture and vegetable oil in a 1: 4 ratio. The resulting emulsion is suitable for tampons. Shake it before use. Then moisten a cotton pad, form a tampon out of it and insert into the ear canal. The duration of the procedure is 8-10 hours. Carry out such events for 7-10 days. But how the treatment of polyps in the nose with propolis occurs, this will help to understand

As for the use of rabbit or, it is prohibited to use them in the treatment of tubo-otitis. Any fat will clog the ear canal, so there will be no benefit from this treatment.

Treatment during pregnancy

Even during pregnancy, pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane may be prescribed. Its essence is that there is a thickening and thinning of air in the external auditory canal. It is necessary to carry out the manipulation using a special apparatus. Already after 1-2 weeks, you can completely restore the patency of the auditory tube, as well as remove fluid from the middle ear. But what drops in the ears for otitis media are the most effective, is described in great detail in this

Tubo-otitis in adults is also a widely diagnosed disease as in children. Only adults rarely seek medical help, as a result of which the process becomes chronic or severe complications arise. , the otolaryngologist will tell you in more detail.

- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the inner ear cavity. It is formed against the background of dysfunction of the auditory tube. The auditory bones are located in the air cavity.

For them to work properly, the pressure must be at the same level as in the environment. For this, there is a relationship between the air cavity and the environment, which is provided by the auditory tube. If it is violated, they talk about tubo-otitis.

What is tubo-otitis, ICD-10

According to ICD-10, the disease is encoded by H68 or H69. The first code indicates inflammation and blockage of the Eustachian tube, and the second - other diseases of this part of the ear.

Signs of the disease

The ear canal in children is shortened in size, but more straight than that of an adult. The manifestations of the disease are the same as in an adult. In this case, hearing can be restored by coughing, yawning, sneezing. the body is usually absent, so it can be problematic to make a diagnosis.

Causes

The causes of this disease are varied. can be a complication after previous upper respiratory tract diseases. It could be ARVI,. Viruses and bacteria invade the mucous membrane and cause it. If left untreated, the disease can begin to spread further, damaging the tympanic cavity.

A prerequisite for the development of the disease can be:

Systemic diseases such as measles, chickenpox, tuberculosis.
, which are characteristic.
Curvature of the nasal septum.
Enlarged adenoids.

One of the theories is that the disease appears against the background of infection with viruses, for example, hypoorulent pathogens. The factors leading to the development of the disease affect the symptoms of the development of the disease.

For the reasons for the development of tubo-otitis (eustachitis), see our video:

When the disease becomes chronic

If untreated, a chronic form of tubo-otitis develops, which leads to a thickening of the tympanic membrane and a decrease in its elasticity. The disease itself progresses slowly. The focus of inflammation appears on the mucous membrane in the tympanic cavity.

A prerequisite for this is the penetration of exudate into the middle ear. With proper treatment, the acute form can be stopped within the first day.

If the patency of the auditory tube does not become normal over time, then the fluid builds up in the middle ear cavity. It becomes a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microflora. Therefore, it begins, which is less susceptible to medication. Untimely or incorrect treatment leads to a chronic form.

Diagnostics

The doctor usually makes the diagnosis of the acute form on the basis and analysis of the patient's complaints. Held . The audiogram makes it possible to identify hearing impairment. To identify the mobility of the tympanic membrane is assigned.

The chronic course during periods of exacerbation proceeds in the same way as the acute form. At the stage of remission, the presence of the disease can be detected only with the help of a visual examination. The doctor can see:

narrowing of the lumen of the auditory tube,
change in the shape of the tympanic membrane,
mucous membrane.

Another significant symptom is irreversible hearing loss. Additionally, it is prescribed in the area of the mouth of the auditory tubes. In this type of disease, swelling is characteristic.

Localization of tubo-otitis

Treatment

With tubo-otitis, all measures are aimed at sanitizing the nasopharynx, relieving swelling and stopping inflammation. Treatment can be both medication and supported by traditional medicine.

Medication

To eliminate pathogens, the following are prescribed:

antiviral drugs,
drugs.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Immunostimulants and are almost always prescribed. In the presence of allergic prerequisites, it is first treated, the body is cleansed.

Folk methods

Copes effectively. It is mixed in a 1: 1 ratio with warm water. 6 drops of the resulting mixture should be dripped into each nasal passage.

You can also fight the disease with onion juice. First, the passage is cleared of secretions. Then, 4 drops are instilled into each ear with a warm composition.

One of the effective treatments for otitis media

impulse currents,

laser therapy.

The procedures are carried out in a polyclinic. If you want to speed up the healing process, the following procedures will help:

Periodic pressing on the cartilaginous process of the auricle,
Breathing out air through the nose with the nasal passages pinched with the fingers.

With catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane of the inner ear, tubo-otitis develops - a disease in which the tissues of the ear and hearing are gradually destroyed.

Treatment for tubo-otitis is aimed at rapidly suppressing bacteria and reducing inflammation inside the ear.

Tubo-otitis - what is it?

Inflammation has another name - eustachitis.

Tubo-otitis and eustachitis are considered synonyms, but in fact they are not. With Eustachitis, the Eustachian tube and tympanic cavities become inflamed, and with tubo-otitis, the membrane of the inner (middle) ear.

All processes are interconnected - the disease begins with otitis media, then flows into eustachitis, and then into tubo-otitis. The signs of ear diseases are similar.

With inflammation of the middle ear, disruption of the functioning of the Eustachian tube is inevitable - with edema of the mucous walls, the tube narrows, the ear membranes stop receiving air, as a result, the pressure inside the middle ear decreases.

The narrowing of the lumen gives an impetus to the development of the inflammatory process, the accumulation of excess fluid and deformation of the membranes. Fluid (pus or mucus) does not always seep out, and this becomes the main cause of hearing damage or hearing loss.

Ear structure

The ear consists of the auricle, auditory canal, eardrums, ossicles, and nerve cells that transmit sound signals to the brain. Any external sound is first "felt" by the ear membrane, then amplified by the auditory ossicles, and only then receives a "nerve" signal.

The nasopharynx and auditory tube connect to the middle ear, which is just behind the eardrum. The auditory tube provides uniform pressure in the mouth and nose, creates an atmosphere for the full functioning of the auricle.

Types of tubo-otitis

Tubo-otitis is right-sided or left-sided and can develop in an acute or chronic form. The acute form lasts from 15 to 30 days, the chronic one can take up to six months or longer.

With bacterial inflammation, bacteria staphylococcus, pneumococcus, or streptococcus enter the auditory tube through the mouth or nose (most often through the nose). Children are often diagnosed with bilateral tubo-otitis. It always proceeds in an aggravated form and is very difficult to treat. In adulthood, bilateral tubo-otitis is rare.

The acute infectious form occurs in the autumn-winter period, when the immune system is greatly weakened and is more than usual exposed to viruses. Tubo-otitis is diagnosed with adenovirus infection, influenza, pharyngitis, sore throat, sinusitis, rhinitis and other viral diseases.

The inflammatory process can begin due to severe bruising or trauma to the nasal septum, as well as after a complex operation (during the healing process, blood can penetrate into the auditory canal and provoke inflammation).

The main factors affecting the occurrence of tubo-otitis:

Allergy predisposition;
fungal infections, tubercle bacillus;
neoplasms on the mucous membranes of the nose (polyps);
inflamed adenoids;
overgrowth of the nasal mucosa;
vasomotor rhinitis (its consequences).

Untimely or improper treatment of tubo-otitis can provoke hearing loss, inflammation of the mastoid process of the temporal bone, purulent or adhesive otitis media, adhesions, and in advanced cases leads to complete hearing loss.

Symptoms of tubo-otitis

The ear is covered with cotton, periodically there is a noise that vaguely resembles the sound when you press the shell to your ear. All sounds and voices become muffled, while your own voice is clearly heard when talking.

It seems that water has collected inside the auricle; when the head is tilted, the liquid "rolls" from side to side. The longer the inflammatory process lasts, the worse the person's well-being: the head hurts and throbs, there is causeless weakness, attacks of nausea are tormented, interest in food is lost.

Features: Swallowing or yawning can improve sound perception for a short period.

In the acute form, the symptoms are the same, painful lumbago in the auricle is possible, and the body temperature may rise. But most often the temperature remains normal.

In the chronic form, the symptoms are the same. If chronic tubo-otitis lasts more than one year, tissue necrosis may develop, purulent fluid will seep into the brain.

Treatment of tubo-otitis

To make a diagnosis, you will need the help of an otolaryngologist. When examining the external auditory canal, deformation (retraction) of the tympanic membrane is often found.

For examination, serous fluid is taken (if it is released from the ear), additional rhinoscopy is done - the nasopharynx is examined. It is also required to donate blood and urine for analysis.

If necessary, blowing is prescribed - a special pear is introduced into the nostril and a stream of air is blown to the eardrum. The auditory canal expands, excess fluid comes out to the surface. This procedure is done for pregnant women.

Treatment of tubo-otitis is carried out with antibiotics "Azithromycin", "Amoxiclav", or with antibacterial drops "Normaks", "Tsipromed", "Otofa".

Drops for tubo-otitis can be antifungal or antiviral: Polydex, Isofra, Cefazolin, Garazon, Sofradex, Avamis (treats allergic rhinitis), Otipax (against pain and inflammation), Anauran ". "Nazivin" and "Otrivin" have a vasoconstrictor effect.

With sulfur congestion, Remo-Wax helps, and Aquamaris is recommended for cleansing the nasal sinuses. Irradiation with ultraviolet light in the hospital reduces inflammation. In some cases, tubo-otitis is treated with intramuscular injections of Netilmicin.

Treatment of tubo-otitis with folk remedies

Boric alcohol quickly kills bacteria and suppresses ear inflammation. Inject 2-3 drops of boric fluid into the ear (use a pipette for convenience).

Warm the bottle in the palm of your hand before using the product. You need to bury the ear 2-3 times during the day. To prevent boric alcohol from leaking out, do the procedure while lying on your side, and do not get up from the couch for 5-7 minutes.

Camphor oil and alcohol compresses have a similar property. But be careful - if used improperly, it can burn the membrane. Be sure to check with your doctor before using traditional treatments.

Tubo-otitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the auditory (Eustachian) tube and tympanic cavity.
Sometimes tubo-otitis is called eustachitis. But, to be precise, Eustachitis is an inflammation of the auditory tube, accompanied by its narrowing and impaired air permeability. The inflammation quickly spreads to the middle ear, causing otitis media.

Therefore, the inflammation that occurs simultaneously in the middle ear and the auditory tube is called tubo-otitis or salpingo-otitis, and Eustachitis is more often considered its initial stage. Treatment of tubo-otitis is complex, aimed at stopping inflammatory processes in the ear canal and in the middle ear.

Causes

The auditory tube, consisting of bone and cartilage tissue and lined with mucous membrane, connects the nasopharynx and the middle ear. Accordingly, when an infectious focus is localized in the upper respiratory tract, pathogenic microorganisms easily enter the auditory tube, and then into the tympanic cavity.

The most common causes of tubo otitis are:

diseases of the upper respiratory tract in acute and chronic form - rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis (pathogens are often bacteria - pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci);
swelling of the mucous membranes caused by allergies (tubo-otitis can be a consequence of allergic rhinitis);
mechanical overlap of the nasopharyngeal opening in case of structural abnormalities (adenoids, polyps, tumors, hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates, deformation of the nasal septum).

Less commonly, tubo-otitis in adults occurs after:

tamponade of the nasal passages;
dental procedures that provoke increased salivation;
barotrauma caused by a sharp change in atmospheric pressure.

The ear canal in children is straighter and shorter than in adults. Accordingly, children are more prone to developing tubo-otitis.

People experience changes in atmospheric pressure most often while moving by air. Therefore, tubo-otitis that occurs against the background of barotrauma is isolated into a separate form - aerootitis

Symptoms

Usually, the patient has the following symptoms of tubo-otitis:

congestion in one ear (left-sided or right-sided tubo-otitis) or both ears (bilateral inflammation);
noise in ears;
feeling of heaviness in the head;
autophony (echo of your own voice in the affected ear);
a feeling of fluid overflow inside the ear (especially when moving the head);
hearing impairment.

With tubo-otitis, pain does not occur, the temperature does not rise, and the patient's general well-being does not deteriorate.

Forms of the disease

By the nature of the course of inflammatory processes, tubo-otitis (microbial code 10 - H68) is acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is accompanied by the symptoms listed above. With timely and competent treatment, inflammation can be stopped in a few days.

If the patency of the auditory tube is not restored, the fluid stagnates in the middle ear cavity and becomes a favorable environment for the development of bacteria. As a result, exudative otitis media turns into purulent inflammation, which is much less responsive to treatment. Untimely or improper treatment of an acute process contributes to its transition to a chronic form.

Chronic tubotympanic purulent otitis media is especially dangerous, in which purulent processes last longer than 2-3 weeks. Inflammation is accompanied by an increase in temperature, the appearance of bloody discharge from the ear, dizziness, and can lead to infection of the bone tissue of the skull and brain.

Often, a mild form of tubo-otitis can be cured only by treating the underlying disease that caused inflammation in the structures of the ear

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of acute tubo-otitis is made by the otorhinolaryngologist on the basis of visual examination (otoscopy) and analysis of patient complaints. Audiometry is also performed to detect hearing impairment and tympanometry, which determines the mobility of the tympanic membrane.

The chronic process during periods of exacerbation is accompanied by similar clinical manifestations. At the stage of remission, chronic tubo-otitis can be detected only by visual examination. In this case, the following symptoms are diagnosed:

retraction and deformation of the tympanic membrane;
redness of the mucous membrane of the auditory tube (its individual sections);
narrowing of the lumen of the auditory tube.

Irreversible hearing loss is another clear sign of chronic tubo-otitis.

With tubo-otitis, ear congestion disappears from time to time, and hearing improves with swallowing or yawning.

Drug therapy

Treatment of tubo-otitis is carried out in a comprehensive manner, includes:

suppression of infection in the upper respiratory tract;
reduction of inflammation and swelling;
restoration of patency of the auditory tube;
strengthening of immunity.

To combat pathogens, drugs for internal use are prescribed (tablets, capsules, suspensions, in severe cases - injections):

antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Azithromycin) and sulfa drugs - for bacterial infection;
antiviral drugs - in the case of the viral nature of the inflammation;
antifungal medicines - to treat inflammation caused by fungi.

It helps to eliminate the swelling of the mucous membranes:

the use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops and sprays (Sanorin, Galazolin, Tizin, Otrivin);
introduction into the auditory tube of adrenaline, a suspension of hydrocortisone (carried out by the method of catheterization);
oral antihistamines (Cetrin, Suprastin).

To reduce inflammatory processes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used, and immunostimulants, vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed to strengthen the immune system.

With the allergic nature of tubo-otitis, it is first of all necessary to treat the allergy. In this case, desensitizing therapy is carried out, antihistamines are prescribed.

A prerequisite for the successful treatment of allergic tubo-otitis is the identification of the allergen and the elimination of contact with it (if possible)

Treatment of the disease in adults is carried out at home. To restore the patency and functions of the auditory tube, the doctor may additionally prescribe procedures:

blowing through the auditory tube, washing it and irrigating with drugs;
hardware pneumomassage (exposure to alternating pressure on the eardrum);
physiotherapy (magnetotherapy, UHF, UFO, pulse currents, laser therapy).

The procedures are carried out by an otorhinolaryngologist in a polyclinic. In addition to them, the following manipulations can be carried out at home:

periodic pressing on the cartilaginous process of the auricle - the effect of light pneumomassage is created;
exhaling air through the nose with the nasal passages pinched by the fingers - the air pressure from the inside helps to open the auditory tube;
making movements that imitate yawning.

Surgery

If the disease is provoked by structural abnormalities, surgical treatment of the corresponding pathology is performed - removal of adenoids, polyps, correction of the shape of the nasal septum, and others. Also, surgical therapy can be prescribed if drug treatment of tubo-otitis is not effective.

Folk remedies

It will not be possible to cure tubo-otitis using only folk remedies. However, collecting medicinal plants will help alleviate unpleasant symptoms and speed up recovery. Herbal infusions are taken orally several times a day and used locally - they put cotton turundas soaked in medicinal infusion into the ears. To prepare the infusion, the herbal collection is poured with boiling water, infused for at least 5-7 hours, then filtered.

In the treatment of tubo-otitis, herbal preparations are used, consisting of equal parts:

chamomile flowers, blueberry stems, anise seeds, St. John's wort, burdock root and peppermint (a tablespoon of the collection is brewed with a glass of boiling water);
mint, St. John's wort, coriander fruits, lingonberry and birch leaves, viburnum bark (30 g of collection per 700 ml of liquid);
dandelion roots, eucalyptus leaves, celandine herb, yarrow, lavender (pour 3 tablespoons with a liter of boiling water).

With tubo-otitis, it is recommended to take herbal infusions and decoctions that strengthen the immune system

Other herbal remedies with bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties also help to cure otitis media and inflammation of the auditory tube:

Fresh aloe juice. Strain the juice, dilute with water in equal proportions, use for nasal instillation (3-5 drops in each nasal passage every 4 hours) or for soaking cotton turundas placed in the ear. The course of treatment is 14–20 days.
Onion juice. It is used for instillation into the nose. If a strong burning sensation occurs during nasal instillation, the juice must be diluted with water. You can also heat a small piece of onion in a water bath, wrap it in a bandage and place it in the ear canal for 30 minutes. Treatment with onion juice is recommended for chronic inflammation. The course of treatment is a month.
Garlic oil. Chop the head of garlic in a blender. Add 100-120 ml of sunflower oil to the garlic gruel, leave for 10-12 days, shaking occasionally. Strain, add a few drops of glycerin. Bury the ear with the resulting composition.
Tea tree oil. Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with 4 drops of tea tree oil. Cotton turundas soaked in the product should be inserted into the ear overnight.

Complications

If the disease is not properly treated, catarrhal inflammation turns into a purulent form, which in the future can provoke the following complications:

damage to the eardrum and the release of purulent contents to the outside;
destruction of bone structures (walls of the tympanic cavity, auditory ossicles) and adhesions, leading to persistent hearing impairment;
spread of infection to parts of the brain;
generalized sepsis, which threatens not only health, but also the patient's life.

Acute tubo-otitis can also become chronic. Frequent exacerbations lead to the fact that the symptoms of the disease become permanent, the eardrum becomes thinner, and the adhesion process begins in the tympanic cavity. The result is permanent partial hearing loss or complete hearing loss. Late treatment of chronic tubo-otitis can lead to deafness.

It is important not only to properly treat tubo-otitis, but also to eliminate risk factors that contribute to the transition of the disease to a chronic form.