Healthy Tips - Ears are one of the most sensitive parts of the body. This sensory organ must be cared for properly to avoid various problems, such as ear infections. The ear consists of three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear.
The auditory function of the ear occurs through the mechanism of sound waves which are first captured by the structure of the outer ear, then sent to the middle ear and then to the inner ear so that the sound is converted into an electrical signal and reaches the brain so that we can hear.
OUTER EAR INFLAMMATION
External ear inflammation (otitis externa) is inflammation of the outer ear. Otitis is inflammation of the ear, while externa means outside.
External ear inflammation or Otitis Externa (OE) is inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal (MAE), earlobe, or both. This disease is often found in hot and humid (tropical) areas and rarely in cool and dry climates. Indonesia is a tropical country so cases of otitis externa often occur.
External ear infections are also known as swimmer's ear, as they are a common problem among swimmers. This happens when contaminated water enters the outer ear, germs will breed to grow and develop because of the moist and warm atmosphere. Infection can also occur due to picking the ear too hard or roughly.
The incidence of otitis externa can range from mild to severe inflammation known as necrotizing otitis externa. This is due to the decay of normal skin cells or cerumen as a protective barrier in the outer ear canal in conditions of high humidity and hot temperatures.
A clean lifestyle and several other habits such as the habit of picking at the ears are other important things that influence the incidence of otitis externa. So patients need to be educated about clean living behavior patterns and habits that must be avoided to prevent similar cases from happening again. The prognosis for cases of otitis externa is generally good, but the recurrence rate is quite high, especially if hygiene is still poor. Some complications of otitis externa include perichondritis and cellulitis.
This disease is a common disease that can be found in all age groups. Otitis externa (OE) is usually an acute bacterial infection of the ear canal skin (most often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus, but can also be caused by other bacteria, viruses, or fungal infections).
Otitis externa is an infection of the external ear canal that can spread to the pina, periauricular, or to the temporal bone. Usually the entire ear canal is involved, but in the external ear canal furuncles may be considered localized formation of otitis externa. Diffuse otitis externa is a type of pathogenic bacterial infection most commonly caused by pseudomonas, staphylococci and proteus, or fungi.
Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an acute or chronic inflammation of the external ear. The skin lining the external ear canal becomes red and swollen due to infection by bacteria or fungi with typical signs, namely discomfort in the ear canal, desquamation, discharge in the ear canal, and a tendency to recur. Treatment is very simple but requires patient compliance, especially in maintaining the cleanliness of the ear canal.
OE is most often caused by pathogenic bacteria but can also be caused by fungi (otomocosis). In one study, 91% of OE cases were caused by bacteria. And other research also found that as many as 40% of OE cases did not have primary microorganisms as causative agents. The most common causative bacteria are Pseudomonas species (38% of all cases), Staphylococcus species, and anaerobes and gram-negative organisms.
Factors that cause risk of otitis externa include:
- Likes to clean or pick at the ears with cotton buds, fingertips or other tools
- Humidity is an important factor for the occurrence of otitis externa.
- Frequent swimming, swimming pool water causes skin maceration and is a frequent source of contamination from bacteria
- The use of chemicals such as hairsprays, shampoos and hair dyes can cause irritation, allowing bacteria and fungi to enter
- Narrow ear canal
- Middle ear infection
Complaints and Signs
- Otalgia (ear pain)
- Feeling full in the ears
- Itchy
- Discharge (Initially, the discharge may be unclear and odorless, but quickly becomes purulent and foul-smelling)
- Decreased hearing
- Tinnitus
- Fever (rare)
- Bilateral symptoms (rare).
Treatment of inflammation of the external ear.
The treatment carried out varies depending on the cause of the otitis. Ear drops containing antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can be given if bacterial infections and swelling occur. Ear drops containing anti-ectoparasites or injections of ivermectin and selemectin drugs can be given if the otitis is caused by ear mites or other ecto-parasites.
The administration of these drugs must follow the life cycle of the parasite. In cases of tumors or polyps, surgery is required to remove the abnormal tissue. Otitis caused by allergies and hormonal disorders requires comprehensive and systematic treatment. Often treatment only reduces the effects, because the main cause ( allergy or hormonal disorders ) is relatively difficult to cure.
Simple treatment of otitis externa can be done in several ways, namely.
- Ear cleaning, a topical treatment using a topical insecticide, usually consists of an ear medication rubbed into the ear once or twice a day.
- Giving steroids to reduce pain and inflammation
- Antibiotic therapy to avoid acute bacterial infection or ulceration
- Antifungal therapy to avoid fungal infections
- Antiallergic therapy as well as ivermectin for external ear parasites (Otodectes infestation).
MIDDLE EAR INFECTION
Otitis media is an infection that occurs in the middle ear. Namely in the space behind the eardrum, where there are three small bones that capture vibrations and transmit them to the inner ear. This condition is also known as middle ear inflammation.
Everyone can experience otitis media, but this condition is more common in children under 10 years of age and in babies aged 6-15 months. According to estimates, around 25 percent of children will experience otitis media before they are 10 years old. Acute Otitis Media refers to fluid in the middle ear with signs and symptoms of infection, such as pain, fever, bulging eardrum and hearing loss.
Basically the middle ear is connected to the back of the nose through a small canal called the eustachian tube. Bacteria can infiltrate the middle ear through this canal, where they are usually pushed out through the eustachian tube. Bacteria and viruses can infect the middle ear.
For Children Children
are susceptible to ear infections, because their eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal. They tend to get more ear infections between the ages of 6–24 months. Children are also more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds and flu.
Ear infections themselves are not contagious, but the upper respiratory virus that causes the infection can spread among children. Therefore, children who are in day care are more susceptible to ear infections. Children who use pacifiers are also at risk.
Other risk factors include an immature immune system and factors that can cause blocked eustachian tubes are allergies, acid reflux or environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke and other unhealthy patterns . The diagnosis of middle ear
infection can be made based on a history of symptoms and examining the ear with an otoscope. The eardrum will be red and swollen in children who suffer from middle ear infections.
Treatment of Otitis Media
Most middle ear infections will get better on their own without antibiotics. Healthy and older children can be treated with painkillers and followed up closely. Antibiotics may be given if symptoms are severe, do not improve, or get worse.
Antibiotics can also be given to children who are younger, or at risk of complications, to help cure infections, reduce pain and prevent complications. After antibiotics are given, fever and pain should improve or resolve within 48 to 72 hours.
Painless fluid in the middle ear may persist for weeks or months after an acute infection. It may be necessary to drain the fluid if it does not drain on its own. Antihistamines or drugs that relieve nasal congestion can be given to reduce symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (runny nose, stuffy nose).
Complications of Otitis Media
Although this condition rarely causes complications, if it does occur, complications can be very dangerous and require treatment with antibiotics immediately in hospital. The following are some complications that may occur due to otitis media.
- Labyrinthitis. Spread of infection to the inner ear.
- Mastoiditis. Spread of infection to the bones behind the ear.
- Meningitis. Spread of infection to the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord or meninges.
That is all from us.
Hope you get well soon...
Collected from various sources (course assignments and discussion materials as well as seminar forums)
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