In an auditory canal infection (external otitis), the external auditory canal is inflamed. The reason for this is usually a bacterial infection. This is often favored by an injury or other condition such as diabetes or the flu. An ear canal inflammation is very painful. She is often treated well with medications. But it can also be life threatening. Here you can read all important information about ear canal inflammation.
Ear canal inflammation: description
As auditory canal inflammation (otitis externa) refer to physicians an inflammation of the external auditory canal in the ear. Depending on what causes the ear canal inflammation and what kind of discomfort it causes, one can differentiate between different types:
Otitis externa circumscripta
In this simplest form of ear canal inflammation, a hair follicle in the ear canal is inflamed (boils). It is usually triggered by bacteria that colonize the skin, the staphylococcus. This form of ear canal inflammation is limited to a small district.
Otitis externa diffusa
This form of ear canal inflammation is most common. This affects the entire auditory canal. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria, sometimes by fungi.
Otitis externa necroticans
This form of ear canal inflammation is also referred to as otitis externa maligna, ie as a malignant auditory canal infection. It develops from an otitis externa diffusa if the chosen therapy does not help. This leads to the death of inflamed tissue (necrosis). In addition, the inflammation may spread and attack the cranial bones or some cranial nerves.
Otitis externa bullosa haemorrhagica
This type of auditory canal infection occurs as part of an influenza (influenza) and is therefore also known as influenza. The ear canal and eardrum are usually affected by the inflammation at the same time. Bloody blisters develop on these structures as a result of the damage to the smallest blood vessels (capillaries). Often the middle ear is also affected.
Otolaryngology: symptoms
Patients suffering from ear canal inflammation often complain of the following symptoms:
- itching
- reddening
- Outflow from the ear, possibly with crusting
- Hearing loss by the addition of the auditory canal
- overheat
- severe earache
- severe pain when speaking or chewing
- Pain on pressure on the cartilage in front of the entrance to the auditory canal (tragus)
- Pain when pulling on the earlobe
This can include fever and fatigue as well as other symptoms of colds such as cough.
Ear Canal Ignition: Causes and Risk Factors
An ear canal infection can be triggered by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Often it arises when the sensitive skin of the ear canal is injured by cleaning with cotton swabs or by too frequent cleaning too little protective ear wax is present.
The development of ear canal inflammation is favored overall by the following factors:
- Moisture in the ear after showering, bathing or swimming
- frequent swimming in chlorine water
- Injuries caused by cotton swabs or earplugs
- Diseases that promote the occurrence of infections such as diabetes mellitus
- Taking medications that weaken the immune system
- Allergies to soaps, hair sprays, cosmetics or ear molds of hearing aids
Otolaryngology: examinations and diagnosis
Your doctor will first ask you in detail about your medical history (anamnesis) in order to diagnose an ear canal infection. He asks you for example the following questions:
- When did the complaints start?
- Do you have a fever or do you feel choppy?
- Do you feel that you are hearing worse on the affected ear?
- Have you had similar complaints before?
- Do you suffer from diabetes?
Then the doctor examines your ears. First, he looks for external abnormalities such as redness, discharge or swelling. Then he tests it for tenderness. Finally, he performs an ear reflexoscopy (otoscopy) in order to be able to see any changes in the auditory canal.
If you report a hearing loss, a hearing exam may be performed afterwards.
In addition, your doctor may make a smear to find out which pathogen is responsible for the ear canal inflammation.
Otolaryngology: treatment
The treatment of ear canal inflammation depends on the type and severity of the disease:
Otitis externa circumscripta
This form of ear canal inflammation is treated locally with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory ointments such as cortisone-containing ointments.
If a pus-filled capsule (abscess) forms or the eardrum is affected by the ear canal inflammation, the abscess is cut open. In addition, the patient now receives antibiotics in tablet form (systemic antibiotic therapy). Often also given painkillers such as acetaminophen or acetylsalicylic acid.
Otitis externa diffusa
During treatment, the ear canal is carefully cleaned first. Subsequently, alcoholic ear drops are used to kill the pathogens. For this, a gauze strip is soaked in the solution and placed in the ear canal. This must be changed several times a day.
Only in case of very severe inflammation or if the patient has diabetes, antibiotics or antifungals (anti-fungal agents) are prescribed in tablet form. In addition, the blood sugar value of diabetics should be well adjusted.
Otitis externa necroticans
In mild cases, the administration of antibiotics is sufficient in addition to therapy with gauze strips as in the case of otitis externa diffusa. The active ingredients are first given via infusions directly into a vein. Subsequently, the patient receives the antibiotics in tablet form.
In severe cases of otitis externa necroticans, the destroyed tissue is removed in one operation. The same applies if antibiotic therapy has not yet been successful after three weeks.
Otitis externa bullosa haemorrhagica
This type of auditory canal infection occurs as part of an influenza (influenza) and is therefore also known as influenza. The ear canal and eardrum are usually affected by the inflammation at the same time. Bloody blisters develop on these structures as a result of the damage to the smallest blood vessels (capillaries). Often the middle ear is also affected.
There is no effective drug against the influenza virus itself. Because of the risk of additional bacterial infection (superinfection), patients are given precautionary antibiotics. In addition, the patients must be monitored, because the infection can spread and lead to an inflammation of the brainstem (brain stem encephalitis).
Otolaryngology: home remedies
In addition to the medicines that your doctor prescribes, there are several home remedies that support the healing of an auditory canal infection. These include onion, chamomile tea and heat.
Onions have a disinfecting effect and help kill the pathogens. If you have an ear canal infection, you can make an onion pouch for your ear: cut an onion into small pieces and wrap it in a kitchen towel. Then lay it on your ear.
Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect. You can cook chamomile tea and put the used tea bag to your ear.
Heat helps with ear canal inflammation, especially to relieve the pain. If you have a heat lamp, adjust it and place it on your ear when you feel comfortable. But even a warm grain pillow or a hot water bottle can be soothing.
Otolaryngology: disease course and prognosis
The prognosis of the simplest form of auditory canal inflammation, the otitis externa circumscripta, is good. The inflammation usually heals without consequences – with adequate therapy, the symptoms usually improve within a few days. However, if an abscess is not removed in time, the inflammation may spread to the auricle (perichondritis).
Otitis externa diffusa usually heals without consequences. But there is a danger that it will occur repeatedly, especially in diabetics. In addition, it can pass into an otitis externa necroticans, a dangerous form of ear canal inflammation. Duration of the inflammation may include several weeks. Under certain circumstances, the otitis externa necroticans may even be life-threatening for the patient.
Otitis externa bullosa haemorrhagica is a rare form of ear canal inflammation. As a rule, it heals without consequences.
Ear Canal Ignition: Prevent
In the first three weeks after ear infection, wear a bath cap while showering or bathing to protect your ears from contact with water.
Do not clean your ears with cotton swabs. If you produce a lot of earwax, your ear, nose and throat doctor can remove it.
After contact with chlorinated water, you should make sure that the water drains from the ear.
Diabetics should have their blood sugar adjusted correctly. Otherwise, a Ear inflammation favored.