Eustachian tube congestion treatment. Medical treatment of the disease. Factors Contributing to the Development of Eustachitis

Content:

The Eustachian tubes are a small passage that connects the ear to the nose. patency eustachian tube can be disturbed by colds and allergies. Serious cases require the supervision of an otorhinolaryngologist. WITH mild cases can be managed at home with home remedies, over-the-counter drugs, or prescription solutions.

Steps

1 Ear plug treatment at home

1. 1 Symptoms. Colds, allergies, infections, and swelling can block the passage of air through the Eustachian tube. Due to pressure changes in inner ear fluid accumulates, and then symptoms appear:
   • Ear pain or feeling of fullness in the ear
   • Ringing, clicking and other sounds in the ears
   • Children can describe the feeling of being tickled
   • Hearing loss
   • Dizziness or incoordination
   • Symptoms may worsen with a rapid change in body position, such as when flying, riding an elevator, hiking or driving in mountainous areas
2. 2 Movement of the lower jaw. This is very simple technique called the Edmonds maneuver. Nominate lower jaw forward and move from side to side. If the ear is not heavily blocked, this method will effectively restore normal airflow.
3. 3 Use the Valsalva method. This method forces air flow through a blocked passage, so it must be done carefully. A strong current of air during exhalation can cause a rapid change blood pressure and heart rate.
   • Inhale deeply and hold your breath with your mouth and nostrils closed.
   • Try blowing air through closed nostrils.
   • If the method is successful, you will hear clicks in your ears.
4. 4 Try the Toynbee method. Like the Valsalva method, the Toynbee method is designed to relieve stuffy ears. But instead of changing air pressure when breathing, the Toynbee method uses changing air pressure when swallowing. To perform the Toynbee method, do:
   • Pinch your nostrils.
   • Take a sip of water.
   • Swallow.
   • Repeat the process until you feel the stuffiness in your ear go away.
5. 5 Use balloons to relieve stuffy ears. It may seem strange, but the Othovent method effectively equalizes the pressure in the ears. Buy an "Otovent balloon" at a pharmacy or online store. It is a ball with a nozzle for the nostril. If you have a device at home that is hermetically inserted into the nostril, then you can make an Otovent balloon yourself.
   • Insert the nozzle into one nostril and close the other with your finger.
   • Try to inflate the balloon of one nostril to the size of a fist.
   • Repeat on the other side. Repeat the process until you hear a click in your ear.
6. 6 Swallow with pinched nose. This is called the Lowry method. Before simply swallowing, it is necessary to increase the pressure, as when straining. When holding your breath and straining, you will feel how the air is trying to escape through all the moves. Some people find it difficult to swallow while doing this. Be patient and you will feel a click in your ears.
7. 7 Apply a heating pad or warm washcloth to your ear. This will relieve pain and may relieve congestion in the ear. The heat from the compress can relieve swelling and increase the flow of the Eustachian tube. If you are using a heating pad, place a cloth between your skin and the heating pad to avoid burns.
8. 8 Use nasal vasoconstrictors. Ear drops will not help with stuffy ears because the connection between the ear and nose is out of the reach of the drops. Therefore, in such cases, vasoconstrictor nasal sprays are used. Place the spray dispenser in one nostril almost perpendicular to the face. Inhale strongly after spraying - this must be done so strongly that the liquid enters the back of the throat, but not so much that it is swallowed or drawn into the mouth.
   • Try any of the above methods after using the drops - they may be more effective after using the spray.
9. 9 Take any antihistamine if the congestion is due to an allergy. Although antihistamines not intended to treat ear congestion, they may be effective in relieving allergic edema. Talk to your doctor about prescribing the most effective drug.
   • Please note that antihistamines are not recommended for people with ear problems.

2 Medical solution to the problem

1. 1 Medicated nasal sprays. Common over-the-counter drugs can be used, however greatest effect have prescription vasoconstrictors. If you suffer from allergies, ask your doctor to prescribe hormonal and/or antihistamine nasal sprays.
2. 2 Take antibiotics for an ear infection. Eustachian tube blockage is often harmless and short-lived, but sometimes it can lead to an infection in the ear. If the blockage persists for a long time, see your doctor for treatment. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the temperature is over 39°C for more than two days.
   • Take your medications as directed. Finish the cycle of antibiotics completely, even if the general condition improves.
3. 3 Discuss the possibility of a myringotomy with your doctor. severe cases, a doctor may recommend a surgical solution to the problem. There are two operations, and myringotomy is the most fast option. During this operation, the surgeon makes a thin incision in the eardrum and removes excess liquid from the middle ear. It may seem counterintuitive, but it is necessary for the incision to heal. slowly. If the incision is left open for a sufficiently long period of time, the Eustachian tube swelling may subside. If the ear heals quickly (less than 3 days), fluid will build up again in the middle ear and symptoms will return.
4. 4 Consider other pressure equalization methods. Another surgical method getting rid of congestion in the ear is used when running processes. As with a myringotomy, the doctor makes an incision in the eardrum and sucks out the fluid that has accumulated in the middle ear. A small tube is inserted into the incision to assess the condition of the middle ear during the healing period. The tube is removed on its own after 6-12 months. This method is used in patients with chronic diseases of the Eustachian tube.
   • Be sure to protect your ears from water if there are tubes in your eardrums. Use ear plugs or cotton balls when swimming and showering.
   • If water will get in through a tube into the middle ear, this can cause inflammation.
5. 5 Treat the cause. Eustachian tube congestion usually indicates another disease, accompanied by mucus secretions and swelling. The most common illnesses are colds, flu, sinus infections, and allergies. Do not run these diseases to prevent ear inflammation. Treat colds and flu at the first symptoms and consult your doctor for allergies and sinus infections.

• If you know you have fluid in your ears, then do not use earplugs. earwax. They can cause infection because they are liquid and not wax.
• If you have ear pain, do not lie in a horizontal position.
• Drink not cold water, and some warm drink, such as tea.
• Try to dissolve in your mouth a few chewable tablets papaya. Papaiotin, the main ingredient in unripe papaya, is an excellent mucus thinner. *You can also try fenugreek.
• Place an extra pillow under your head to help drain nasal fluids while you sleep.
• For pain caused by stuffy ears, ask your doctor to prescribe pain drops for you. You can also try over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium to help relieve pain.
• Wear a hat that covers your ears to keep your head cool.

Warnings

• Do not use over-the-counter nasal sprays for longer than a few days. More long-term use may cause congestion that is not relieved by this spray. If the spray is ineffective, consult your doctor.
• Do not irrigate your ears with a nasal rinsing device or ear candles. These items are not recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration. food products and medicines for cleaning stuffy ears.
• Diving is contraindicated in case of problems with the Eustachian tube! This can increase ear pain due to pressure changes.

What will you need

• Vasoconstrictor nasal drops
• Glucocorticoid nasal drops
• Antihistamines
• Pressure Equalization Tubes

A common disease preceding otitis media is inflammation of the Eustachian tube. Its symptoms characterize, therefore it is important to conduct timely treatment, otherwise the disease will move to the next stage and cause a lot of complications. In some cases, it can develop into a chronic form, which is fraught with frequent illnesses ears.

Location and functions of the organ

To begin with, consider issues such as location and. So the process of the onset of inflammation and the principle of treatment will be more understandable.

The Eustachian tube is a narrow channel several centimeters long. It is located in the middle ear and connects its cavity with the nasopharynx. Inside, it is lined with mucous epithelium, which allows it to perform a protective function and prevent the entry of microorganisms.

In addition, the body performs two more equally important functions:

1. Ventilation. For supporting normal state microflora and ensure pressure regulation requires air exchange.
2. Drainage. Fluid and other secretions accumulate in the human ear, which, when vivo are brought out through the auditory tube, entering the nasopharynx.

Violation of these functions are the first symptoms of the disease. If they are not restored, the situation worsens and otitis media develops.

Symptoms of inflammation and its causes

notice inflammation auditory tube on early stages You can, if you know what symptoms accompany this process. Violation of the natural functions of the organ and its damage reveal the following symptoms:

• stuffy ears;
• tissue swelling;
• channel narrowing;
• noise and autophony;
• gurgling;
• loosening of the mucous membrane;
• hearing loss;
• nasal congestion;
• discomfort.

Wherein pain symptoms most often absent or expressed to a small extent. An increase in temperature occurs only during the transition to the stage of directly otitis media. To prevent this, it is important to start treatment as soon as the first signs appear.

A whole host of factors can provoke the development of inflammation of the auditory canal. This organ is particularly vulnerable to childhood, as it is more open to infections and has a simple structure.

TO common reasons eustachitis include:

• colds and viruses;
• streptococci and pneumococci;
• hemophilic bacillus;
• swings atmospheric pressure;
• liquid getting into the tube;
• diseases of the nasopharynx;
• chronic runny nose;
• adenoids;
• deviated septum of the nose;
• trauma;
• allergy;
• tumors;
• ingress of contaminants.

The exact reason may be pointed out by some concomitant symptoms. Temperature and runny nose are signs of a cold infection, rash and lacrimation - to allergies. In any case, it is imperative to find out the nature of the origin of inflammation, since treatment should concern not only the auditory tube, but also the elimination of the root cause of its disruption.

Diagnosis and treatment

To identify the cause and make sure the diagnosis is correct, you need to visit an otolaryngologist. He will diagnose and prescribe further treatment.

To begin with, a superficial examination and anamnesis are taken. For a detailed acquaintance with the situation, the doctor conducts an otoscopy. At this stage, changes in the middle ear cavity become noticeable, clouding eardrum, its retraction due to a violation of the pressure regulation function and the accumulation of fluid behind the membrane due to the impossibility of its normal removal.

The following symptoms are also observed:

• tissue redness;
• hyperemia of the auditory canal;
• narrowing of the lumen;
• vasodilation and bleeding;
• tissue necrosis.

Another indicator of the presence of a problem is hearing loss, which is confirmed by an audiogram. After finding out the nature of the occurrence of inflammation, appropriate treatment is prescribed.

The treatment itself must be comprehensive. Since tubo-otitis is often the result of another disease, the main effort should be aimed at eliminating the root cause. As soon as the source of infection is destroyed, the main symptoms of ear disease will also disappear.

To relieve inflammation of the tissues of the Eustachian tube, it is prescribed antibiotic treatment. To do this, use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as vasoconstrictor drops in the nose. It is the drops that will remove the puffiness and restore the functions of the auditory canal.

With active reproduction pathogenic bacteria more aggressive treatment with antibiotics may be needed.

Physiotherapy is used for local therapy and restoration of drainage and ventilation functions. by the most effective methods are:

• blowing;
• flushing by catheterization;
• hardware pneumomassage;
• pulsed laser therapy;
• UV irradiation;
• electrical stimulation.

In addition to the above, efforts should be made to restore immune protection organism. For this, vitamin therapy is carried out in parallel with the main treatment. It includes a special diet and enriched useful products menu, reception multivitamin complexes etc.

Prevention

To prevent the recurrence of the disease, in the future it is necessary to constantly maintain healthy state auditory canal. For this purpose, a variety of preventive measures are used.

The main emphasis is on general strengthening organism. To do this, you need to provide yourself with a sufficient amount of vitamins, increase resistance to infections by hardening. It is advisable to avoid hypothermia and drafts, especially after a recent illness.

In some cases, there is a tendency to eustachitis due to the presence of anatomical pathologies and abnormalities. Surgery may be required to address risk factors. Most often, treatment is associated with the removal of adenoids, correction of the nasal septum, etc.

If you have allergies, avoid irritants that provoke swelling of the tissues of the nasopharynx. At frequent runny nose care must be taken to clear the nasal passages of mucus and prevent it from entering the auditory tube.

If you have a malfunctioning Eustachian tube, try to avoid pressure drops. It is not recommended to use high-speed trains, planes, diving or mountain climbing.

If you prevent the development of swelling and infection from the nasopharynx into the ears, you can completely protect yourself from the risk of inflammation of the auditory tube. Prevention and treatment of eustachitis is also precautionary measure for more serious ear problems.

Eustachitis (tubo-otitis, salpingotitis, tubotympanitis) is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the middle ear, the cause of which is a violation of the function of the auditory (Eustachian) tube.
The middle ear has three parts: the tympanic cavity, the mastoid cavity and the auditory (Eustachian) tube. The Eustachian tube is 3.5 cm long and connects the tympanic cavity with the nasopharynx. This tube performs important functions: ventilation (when swallowing, the walls of the auditory tube move apart and air enters from the nasopharynx into the tympanic cavity), drainage (removal from tympanic cavity transudate and exudate) and protective (the secret of the mucous glands kills bacteria).

Causes and symptoms

The occurrence of the disease is associated with a violation of the function of the auditory tube, as a result of which the ventilation of the tympanic cavity is disturbed. The cause of this kind of violations can be infectious factors - acute respiratory diseases, influenza, tonsillitis, sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis), rhinitis; adenoid vegetations, hypertrophy of the posterior ends of the inferior turbinates, tumors of the nasal part of the pharynx, anterior and posterior tamponade (as a result of bleeding from the nose or after surgery), changes in atmospheric pressure during ascent and descent of the aircraft - aerootitis, immersion and ascent of divers and submariners - mareotitis.
All of the above conditions lead to the fact that the flow of air into the tympanic cavity is difficult. And the air in the cavity is absorbed by the mucous membrane, and, as a result, the pressure in the tympanic cavity decreases. This in turn leads to the appearance of fluid (transudate) in the tympanic cavity. Subsequently, inflammatory cells appear there.
Patients are concerned about the feeling of ear congestion, tinnitus, resonation of their own voice in the diseased ear - autophony, sometimes ear pain, noise of fluid transfusion, a feeling of heaviness in the head. These symptoms often occur during or after an acute respiratory illness during convalescence.

The general condition, as a rule, suffers little. Hearing may improve after yawning or swallowing saliva due to the opening of the lumen of the auditory tube at this moment.

Diagnostics

The inflammatory process in the auditory tube is clearly visible with otoscopy.

An ENT doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical picture and otoscopy - examination of the external auditory canal and eardrum. Otoscopy reveals retraction of the tympanic membrane, shortening of the handle of the malleus, a sharp protrusion towards the ear canal of the short process, anterior and posterior folds.

Audiometry is performed to detect hearing loss. As a rule, hearing is reduced to 20-30 dB.
The disease requires adequate and urgent treatment. Otherwise, there is a high probability of transition to a chronic form, which leads to.

Symptoms of the disease become permanent and significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient.

Chronic eustachitis is characterized by stenosis (narrowing) of the lumen of the auditory tube, atrophic and sclerotic changes in the tympanic membrane and the mucous membrane of the tympanic cavity. In turn, chronic eustachitis can be complicated adhesive otitis media, accompanied by the formation of adhesions and connective tissue strands, causing a violation of the patency of the Eustachian tube and the mobility of the auditory ossicles.

Eustachitis treatment

Treatment of eustachitis primarily depends on the cause of the disease. In the case of a pathology of the nose or nasopharynx, treatment is aimed at its elimination. In case of changes in barometric pressure during takeoff and landing of the aircraft, during underwater descents, it is necessary to blow out the ears using normal swallowing, swallowing with pinched nostrils and a sharp exhalation with pinched nostrils, closing the mouth.
For antibacterial purposes are prescribed ear drops Polydex, Sofradex, Normax, Dancil. In order to reduce swelling of the mucosa in the area of ​​the Eustachian tube, vasoconstrictors are used, for example:

• Xylene;
• Sanorin;
• Tizin;
• Nazivin;
• Rinostop;
• Galazolin;

It is necessary to bury them in the nose, 5 drops on the side of the affected ear 4-5 times a day, throwing back the head and then turning it to the affected side.

Also, for this purpose, antihistamines are prescribed - Zirtek, Claritin, Erius, Cetrin, Tavegil, Telfast, Suprastin, as well as the anti-inflammatory drug Erespal. In some cases, local hormonal preparations- glucocorticoids, for example, Nasonex, Avamys, Flixonase. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
From physiotherapy, UVI, UHF are prescribed for the nose area, laser therapy for the mouth of the auditory tube.
After the lull acute process with persistent hearing loss, blowing of the auditory tubes and pneumatic massage are shown. For blowing the ear, the Politzer method or the catheterization method is used.

Ear blowing according to Politzer

With tubo-otitis, the patient is recommended to instill antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor drops.

Blowing the ear according to Politzer is carried out using a rubber balloon connected by a rubber tube to an olive. The olive is inserted into one nostril of the patient and the wings of the nose are clamped. In order for air to enter the tympanic cavity, the patient swallows water or pronounces the word “steamboat” or “cuckoo” loudly in syllables. During a sip or pronunciation of a stressed syllable, the palatine curtain rises and presses tightly against back wall throats. At this time, the doctor slightly compresses the balloon. Air ingress is monitored with an otoscope.

With successful blowing of the ear, as a rule, the patient's condition improves after 1–3 blowings. It is possible that hearing will improve for a few hours or a few days. Then you need to repeat blowing after 1-2 days for 2-3 weeks.
In the case of low efficiency of the Politzer method, catheterization of the auditory tube is performed - air is blown into the tympanic cavity using an ear catheter and a rubber balloon.

After catheterization, a pneumatic massage of the tympanic membrane is performed. Its essence lies in the fact that on the eardrum with the help of a special apparatus variable pressure, which increases the elasticity of the eardrum and makes it more mobile, prevents the formation of scars on the eardrum, leading to hearing loss.

The Eustachian tube (or auditory tube) is a structure hearing aid connecting the tympanic cavity and the pharynx, and serves to maintain normal pressure between middle ear and environment. Another no less important function- removal of fluid from the middle ear cavity.

The tube is very thin, its average diameter is 2 mm. That is, any deviation, infection with harmful bacteria or viruses, causes swelling and narrowing of this auditory canal. This, in turn, disrupts the ventilation of the eardrum area, which can lead to more serious pathology. So, with the development of inflammation of the auditory (Eustachian) tube, an extensive lesion of the middle ear occurs, which has the name "tubo-otitis" or "eustachitis". Other names for this disease: salpingo-otitis, tubotympanitis.

Types of Eustachian tube disease

There are the following types inflammation of the auditory tube: acute and chronic form.

The acute course of inflammation is a primary developed disease. It occurs when infection and activation of the action of pathogenic bacteria, most often pneumococci and streptococci. Staphylococci and others pathogenic microorganisms less pathogenic, and less likely to lead to an inflammatory process. If not treated primary inflammation, then it can become chronic.

Inflammation of the auditory tube: symptoms

Symptoms of the disease in adults are manifested by a sensation of tinnitus, a decrease and deterioration in the quality of hearing. When changing the position of the head, tilting and turning, a characteristic transfusion of water in the ear is felt.

At acute course diseases of pain are practically not manifested, general state the body suffers slightly, the body temperature does not rise. However acute inflammation The auditory tube usually occurs unexpectedly. Congestion quickly appears, noise in the ear, fluid transfusion is felt, hearing decreases. A sufficiently long course of the inflammatory process leads to its chronic form. This is especially true, usually due to total absence or improper treatment acute illness.

In the chronic course of the disease, the lumen of the auditory canal narrows, the position of the tympanic membrane changes, it is drawn inward. Accordingly, the patency of the Eustachian tube is significantly reduced, the canal walls can stick together. This disrupts hearing sensations, hearing deteriorates significantly. chronic course eustachitis often leads to inflammation of the middle ear - adhesive otitis media with a more severe course and negative consequences.

Symptoms in children

Symptoms of inflammation of the auditory tube in children are determined anatomical features children's hearing aid. The Eustachian tube is also slightly shorter and more straight. This makes children more receptive to ear diseases. The symptoms that occur in children are similar in their specifics to the symptoms in adults: noise and congestion, reduced hearing in the affected ear. Sneezing, coughing, or even yawning can sometimes temporarily restore hearing. Body temperature, as in adults, remains normal, pain not expressed. This complicates self-recognition of the disease.

Diagnosis of the disease

The patient does not complain of pain in the ear, she practically does not bother him, but all the details are important for the doctor. Inflammation of the Eustachian tube is accompanied by a slight increase in body temperature (usually no more than 37.5 degrees).

The first thing an otolaryngologist does after talking with a patient is a visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum. Its retraction, deformation of the light cone is observed. To accurately determine the degree of violations, otoscopy is used, as well as additional studies.

For an accurate diagnosis, specific tests are made: an empty sip, a sip with closed nostrils, exhalation with the mouth and nose closed, as well as audiometry, which will help identify the degree of hearing loss. The above tests contribute to the emergence of specific sensations in the ears, on the basis of which the doctor draws a conclusion. So, crackling in the ears signals good patency, but if there is swelling and inflammation of the Eustachian tube, then the patient feels a gurgling in the ear area.

If, after blowing the auditory tube, the patient's hearing improves, this indicates poor patency of the auditory tube.

Auxiliary methods: throat swab for detection bacterial infections, and allergic tests(if an allergic reaction is suspected).

Inflammation of the auditory tube: treatment

After establishing accurate diagnosis doctor prescribes individual treatment. First of all, actions are aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease, eliminating pathogenic factors. The causes of this disease are as follows:

• protracted infectious diseases nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity;
• swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa in the area of ​​​​the mouths of the auditory tubes;
• infection with gram-positive bacteria, in particular staphylococci, streptococci or viruses;
• various diseases upper divisions respiratory system caused by the development of SARS, influenza and other lesions;
• proliferation and enlargement of adenoids in children;
• anatomical abnormalities, traumatic injuries leading to a curvature of the nasal septum;
• tumors of the nasopharynx;
• abrupt weather changes with large changes in atmospheric pressure.

With the predominance of turbootitis, treatment is exclusively medical. First of all, decongestants are appointed - medical preparations, narrowing the vessels of the mucous membrane of the auditory tube, nasopharynx and nasal cavity. These are widely available over-the-counter drugs Oxymetazoline, Naphazoline, Nazol, Naphthyzine and Xylometazoline.

If exacerbated inflammatory process antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs are necessarily prescribed, which are introduced into the affected auditory tube using a special catheter.

Sanitation of the nasopharynx is also required to relieve inflammation, swelling or allergic reaction. Sanitation of ENT organs, and in other words, washing is carried out with antibiotics or antiseptics. For example:

• furatsilin;
• chlorhexidine;
• tomicide;
• dioxidine.

Washing is carried out with a syringe with a nozzle. Of course, sanitation itself will not help get rid of the disease, but if it is carried out in combination medical measures, then the result will be positive.

Also, sanitation can include rinsing and processing of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx medicinal ointments. You can rinse your throat with a decoction of chamomile, saline solution. And apply interferon ointment to the mucous membranes. This ointment increases the resistance of the whole organism to various infections.

At allergic disease antihistamines are prescribed:

• suprastin;
• tavegil;
• citrine;
• zodak;
• zyrtec.

In the presence of chronic foci of infection, the issue of their treatment is decided. Tonsillectomy, removal of adenoids, long-term use antibiotics.

To improve the patency of the auditory tube, it is catheterized and adrenaline or hydrocortisone is injected into its cavity. Also, during catheterization, proteolytic enzymes can be introduced. They will help to remove fluid from the tympanic cavity. If the case is advanced, surgical intervention is necessary.

Physiotherapeutic methods and recipes have a good effect on improving the condition and relieve inflammation of the auditory tube traditional medicine- warm compresses, which significantly speed up recovery.

Treatment times for each clinical case are individual. Average - a week if used medical methods V complex therapy. Chronic illness requires more attention, especially if it is complicated by pathogenic factors.

Is a special diet needed?

Of course, there is no special diet for patients with inflammation of the auditory (Eustachian) tube, but it is recommended to avoid coarse and solid foods, because this can provoke a change in pressure in the tympanic cavity. According to general recommendations, nutrition should be complete with the inclusion of fruits, vegetable salads, mashed soups, it is advisable to drink compotes and rosehip broth.

Preventive measures

When inflammation of the auditory tube occurs, treatment effectively relieves symptoms, but in order to avoid recurrence or prevent inflammation, it is important to be examined by a doctor in time.

Prevention includes:

• protection of the body from infections and timely treatment;
• hygiene, but clean the ear canal carefully so as not to damage the eardrum (it is better not to use cotton swabs);
• treatment chronic ailments And colds;
• regular visits to the ENT.

If you have a disease of the Eustachian tube, you should contact otorhinolaryngologists or ENT doctors for short, who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the ear, throat, nose.

The cavity between the eardrum and the nasopharynx is called the Eustachian tube. It serves for ventilation, removal of mucus, and connection with the surrounding atmosphere to create normal pressure in the cochlea of ​​the middle ear. To remove microparticles of dust and pathogenic bacteria, special mucus is secreted in the nasopharynx, which binds them and is then removed through the nose when sneezing. If the body's immunity is weakened, then a failure in the Eustachian tube system may occur. In this article, we will consider what symptoms and methods of treatment exist when such a device fails. important body in the nasopharynx.

Causes that contribute to inflammation

The disease can occur after colds, when the general immunity of the body is weakened. Weakening of the body can be caused in the autumn - winter period due to temperature changes, high air humidity, lack of vitamins in the pre-spring time. Being in the same room with patients with acute respiratory diseases, also contributes to a large penetration into the mucous membrane of pathogenic microbes.

Usually the disease begins quickly, especially after an untreated acute respiratory disease. As a rule, the patient feels nasal congestion, which makes it impossible to breathe. You may feel the presence of fluid in the ear canal, accompanied by a characteristic gurgling. There may be dizziness, unpleasant pain inside the ear. All this is caused severe swelling mucous membrane inside the Eustachian tube. Because of this, the passage is blocked and there is no connection with atmospheric air, the pressure balance is disturbed. There is insufficient pressure inside, which draws the eardrum into the internal passage. According to these characteristic symptoms can be judged on the inflammation of the Eustachian tube. Diagnosis is carried out by an otolaryngologist, who makes the final diagnosis.

Diseases associated with inflammation of the Eustachian tube

Inflammation of the Eustachian tube and eardrum is called turbootitis. It can be expressed in two forms: acute and chronic. The acute form, caused by a strong narrowing of the passage due to swelling of the mucosa, which leads to strong discomfort and decreased pressure in the inner ear. The patient complains of tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss.
The doctor, based on the examination, the results of the tests, makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. If the treatment is ineffective or the patient avoids it, then acute form disease can become chronic.

Treatment

The effectiveness of treatment depends on the severity of the patient. All healing procedures aimed at returning the functions of the mucous membrane and reducing its swelling. Assign vasoconstrictor drugs, antimicrobial drugs, warming compresses, washing the nasopharynx with decoctions medicinal herbs. It is also necessary to take care of prescribing drugs to increase protective functions weakened body.

During treatment, so that the mucus with microbes does not flow into the internal auditory canal, it is necessary to remove the mucus without effort, that is, it is forbidden to blow your nose hard. Fluid can sometimes be removed from the nasopharynx with special catheters.

When the nasal mucosa has already recovered, and hearing is still reduced, ear blowing or the introduction of special medicines. Thus, pathogenic moisture is removed from the ear canal through the nasopharynx.

All treatment procedures are carried out under the supervision of a doctor who evaluates the effectiveness of the impact of a particular method.

Inflammation of the Eustachian tube can lead to hearing loss. Do not ignore it and seek help from a specialist in a timely manner medical institution who will correctly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment diseases.