Staphylococcus in the ear

Staphylococcus aureus in the ears, nasopharynx, or on the surface of human skin is common. It is a gram-positive, immobile bacterium that has a regular round or oval shape. According to research data, more than 70% of the population is carriers of it, but it causes serious diseases only when the necessary conditions are created for this (that is, it is conditionally pathogenic).

Reasons for the appearance

Staphylococcus aureus in the ear settles on the skin, both in children and adults. However, in children, it manifests itself much more often due to the greater susceptibility of the body to the action of pathogenic microflora and non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene. The most famous manifestations of the bacteria are skin ulcers: boils, carbuncles, barley. Once inside the organ of hearing, it can lead to the development of acute purulent otitis media.

The most common reason for the activation of Staphylococcus aureus in the ear is microscopic skin lesions through which the pathogen enters the body.

It is transmitted in various ways: by contact and by airborne droplets, it usually penetrates into the outer part of the auditory organ with the help of unwashed hands. Several factors can contribute to the onset of the disease:

weakened immunity due to the use of immunosuppressants and antibiotics, as well as a seasonal decrease in the protective function of the body due to hypovitaminosis;
chronic ailments (thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, other autoimmune diseases);
adverse environmental conditions, incl. environmental factor.

Symptoms

In the presence of staphylococcus in the ear (or ears), the symptoms are the main argument for contacting an otolaryngologist:

swelling, a feeling of congestion, and an unusual noise in the head;
pain and itching in the external auditory canal, especially when pressing on the tragus;
the presence of greenish mucus with an unpleasant odor inside the auditory canal, and then pus;
crusting;
damage to the skin;
general weakness and fever.

In this case, the affected area acquires a golden hue.

If there is a reasonable suspicion that Staphylococcus aureus in the ear has activated, treatment should be carried out quickly to avoid serious complications:

pneumonia (pneumonia);
hearing loss up to its complete loss;
mastoiditis;
inflammation of the brain or bone marrow (meningitis or osteomyelitis);
staphylococcal sepsis, covering all systems of the human body.

Diagnostics and treatment

The otolaryngologist should diagnose the disease based on the study of the clinical picture and interviewing the patient. The specialist will accurately determine the location of the pathogenic microflora and develop an adequate treatment regimen. A mistake in the diagnosis can make therapy ineffective and lead to complications.

Treatment of staphylococcus in the ears is complicated by its resistance to many drugs and active substances. The bacterium remains active in a dehydrated state, is not afraid of direct sunlight and high temperatures. It is resistant to ethyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide is capable of processing and assimilating with the help of a special enzyme catalase. In addition, using the enzyme coagulase, the bacterium penetrates from the skin into the vessels and coagulates the blood, which threatens sepsis and the rapid movement of infection throughout the body with the formation of abscesses. If it enters the lungs through the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, it can cause intractable pneumonia.

When boiled, the bacterium instantly dies. Also, despite resistance to certain antibiotics, she is afraid of aniline dyes. Therefore, a cut treated in time with ordinary brilliant green (brilliant green solution) is a fairly reliable barrier to infection.

Depending on the area where Staphylococcus aureus is located in the ears, treatment may be local or general.

Local therapy is used for otitis externa. Ointments and drops containing polyxin, neomycin, colistin, or corticosteroids are prescribed. It is not recommended to drip drugs directly into the auditory canal; it is better to moisten a cotton or gauze turunda with medicine and carefully insert it into the ear canal. The procedure should be repeated at least 3-4 times a day. If the pain persists, dry heat, pain relievers, and quartz can be used. Gentamicin ointment has proven itself well, with which the external auditory canals are treated for a week.
General therapy is indicated for otitis media. Antibiotics are prescribed, most often ampicillin (for 10 days, 50-100 mg 4 times a day), antipyretic and analgesic drugs. Warming compresses on the auditory organ are recommended. If there is no improvement after two days, the doctor may perform tympanopuncture or tympanocentesis, which involves puncturing the tympanic membrane. This procedure frees the cavities from exudate, while also taking a fluid sample for antibiotic resistance to correct the course of therapy.

For antibiotic therapy to work properly, it is first necessary to test the bacteria for resistance to certain antibiotics. You cannot take breaks during the course of antibiotics or stop prematurely, focusing on improving your well-being. This can lead to adaptation of the bacteria to the action of this drug.

Traditional medicine

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus with traditional medicine can be quite effective, but in any case, it should be auxiliary in relation to traditional treatment. The active substances contained in plants inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, relieve pain and inflammation, disinfect the affected area and increase immunity.

A few tips for using folk remedies:

St. John's wort. The infusion or decoction of St. John's wort is rinsed previously cleaned of sulfur from the passage to reduce inflammation. It is rational to do this shortly before taking the main medicine. St. John's wort is a strong natural antibiotic and is good for topical use.
Dioxidine solution. 4 drops of the solution are dripped into the ear canal, after 10-15 minutes they are dried with a cotton swab. The procedure is repeated twice a day (in the morning and in the evening).
Decoctions of chamomile, calendula, sage support the classical therapy well. You just need to pay attention to the fact that some herbs can cause allergic reactions in people. The broth should be approximately the temperature of the human body, a colder liquid will lead to narrowing of blood vessels and weakening the effect of the drug.

You can reduce the likelihood of contracting a bacterial infection using simple rules: