Ear fungus

One of the most common ENT diseases is ear fungus, in scientific circles it is called otomycosis. It is diagnosed in almost 90% of patients who visit an otolaryngologist. There are both children and adults among patients, but it is worth noting that fungal infections in the ear are much less common at an early age.

To get rid of the disease as quickly as possible, you need to accurately diagnose and choose the most effective therapy, and this is possible only in a polyclinic.

Why does the disease appear

Otomycosis of the external ear can appear in any person, no one is immune from him. The development of infection is provoked by such factors:

• Drop in immunity. Under normal conditions, the body is quite successful in fighting the fungi that constantly live on our skin. If its protective functions are weakened, then pathogenic microorganisms receive ideal conditions for reproduction.
• Visiting public reservoirs, saunas, baths. Even in the most modern SPA salons and gyms, where equipment and premises are treated with special means, fungi can multiply.
• Injuries can also cause a fungal disease of the ears in humans - a small scratch or even a microcrack in some cases provokes the development of an infection.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene and the use of other people's items, such as headphones or hats. This can also cause infection.
• The ingress of water and its untimely elimination can provoke otomycosis of the ear.
• Inaccurate use of cotton wool turundas leads to the development of infection.
• Removing all the sulfur sometimes causes fungal otitis media. Excessive cleanliness is also hazardous to health, since sulfur acts as a barrier and protects the ear canal from the reproduction of pathogens.
• Long-term use of antibiotics and hormonal medications weakens the immune system, and this can also provoke ear mycosis.
• Systemic diseases such as AIDS, diabetes mellitus, etc.
• Untimely cured ear diseases. The likelihood of otomycosis is especially high if they are accompanied by purulent discharge.

It is worth treating the fungus in the ear, the causes of which can be very different, immediately. It is the ear canal that is the ideal place for the development of these microorganisms, because it is warm, humid and little light, and this significantly accelerates the growth of the colony.

A neglected disease can spread to the middle ear and even cause blood poisoning.

When to sound the alarm

Fungus on the ears in humans responds well to treatment. The sooner you start it, the more likely it is that the disease will never return. Diagnostics should only be carried out by a doctor, since there are different types of fungi, and each of them is eliminated with the help of different drugs. It is customary to isolate mold, yeast-like and especially pathogenic microorganisms. They can be identified by inspection and sowing. You need to consult an otolaryngologist if you have the following symptoms:

• discharge from the ears of an uncharacteristic color and consistency;
• periodic or persistent itching in the ears;
• the presence of ear plugs;
• strong ear sensitivity;
• pain when touching, swallowing or shaving (for men);
• hearing loss;
• noise in ears;
• headache.

Treatment methods

A remedy for fungus in the ears is prescribed based on the type of microorganisms. Before starting treatment, the doctor identifies the root cause and corrects it. If the disease is caused by a drop in immunity, then in combination with antimycotic drugs, the patient is credited with immunomodulators, vitamins, sports, good balanced nutrition. If the causative agent was the intake of potent medications, they are canceled.

Local treatment is carried out with such drugs:

• "Nitrofungin", "Naftifin", "Itraconazole", "Terbinafin" (to eliminate mold microorganisms);
• "Pimafucin", "Econazole", "Clotrimazole", "Fluconazole" (to eliminate yeast-like microorganisms).

Drops in the ears from the fungus and solutions can be both the only means and auxiliary. In especially severe cases, antimycotic pills are additionally prescribed. Only a doctor should choose them, since the funds in this category have their own contraindications.

Together with them, it is imperative to take medications to maintain the intestinal microflora, for example, "Linex" or "Yogurt".

Rules for the use of drugs

If a doctor detects ear fungus in a person, treatment should be started immediately. The prescribed medications are taken exactly on schedule, the regularity of the procedures is the key to getting a good result. Before treating ear fungus with topical preparations, you need to carry out the following procedures:

• Thoroughly clean the ear canal from wax, dust and other foreign substances, remove keratinized cells. This can be done with hydrogen peroxide or plain warm water.
• Dip the drug into a sore ear, lay it with a piece of cotton wool for 5-10 minutes.
• Remove the tampon, dry the skin with a cotton swab.

The fungus behind the ears or in the outer ear is treated with drugs 3 times a day, sometimes 4 times. The duration of the course of treatment can be from 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the neglect of the disease and the type of microorganisms.

Folk remedies

Many people are wondering how to treat ear fungus in humans besides medications? There are several alternative methods that can speed up the healing process if combined with the remedies prescribed by the doctor.

1. Celandine juice. Before treating the fungus in the ears, a decoction is made from this plant. Then it should cool down - room temperature will be optimal for use. You need to bury the remedy in the sore ear several times a day. Be careful not to let celandine juice get on the mucous membranes, it is poisonous.
2. Onion and garlic. A mixture of onion and garlic juice is also used as a remedy for athlete's foot. 5 drops of the agent should be dripped into the affected ear before bedtime, but such treatment cannot be continued for a long time, as it can adversely affect the condition of the ear canal.
3. Walnut oil. You need to start instilling with 1 drop of the drug, gradually increasing the dosage to 4 drops.
4. Apple vinegar. This tool can only be used for external treatment, they wipe the infected areas, but in no case drip directly into the ear - vinegar can damage the auditory nerve.

If an ear fungus is found in a person, treatment with folk remedies cannot become the basis of therapy. If you decide to use it, then only in combination with medications.

Carefully monitor your health, do not allow immunity to fall and consult a doctor in a timely manner. This will help you to always feel good and in great shape.