The identification and definition of all the symptoms of the disease contributes to the clarification of the diagnosis, the appointment of the correct treatment, and, therefore, accelerates the recovery.
The most common ear symptoms are pain, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Ear pain can also manifest in different ways. In some cases it is characterized by itching, in other cases it is unbearable, shooting.
In addition to subjective complaints, objective symptoms play an important role in the diagnosis of any disease. Such signs of ear damage can be hyperemia, swelling. In this case, one ear may be involved in the process, or the condition is characterized by a symmetrical lesion. The combination of all the signs and allows you to clarify the pathological processes occurring in the ear.
Causes of redness of the ear
A red ear in a child can be caused by the following pathological processes:
- an allergic reaction;
- insect bite;
- traumatic injury;
- the ingress of a foreign body into the external auditory canal;
- an inflammatory process localized in the outer ear.
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction in this case is the most common cause of the appearance of such a symptom as red ears in a child. Its development is most often caused by exposure to allergens such as food or drugs. In this case, the defeat is characterized by symmetry.
An additional symptom in this case is itching of the skin, often peeling occurs. The temperature reaction can be different, from a slight local increase to the development of subfebrile condition. In some cases, there is also a general reaction of the body, manifested by malaise, headache, and a decrease in blood pressure. In severe cases, Quincke's edema may develop.
The use of antihistamines can improve the situation in a short time. In this case, tabletted drugs, as well as external drugs, can be used. In severe cases, stopping the process involves the use of detoxification therapy, corticosteroid drugs. An additional method of treatment is the use of sorbents.
The most effective treatment for allergic conditions is to eliminate the allergen.
When a food allergy develops, keeping a food diary can be helpful in identifying a hazardous food.
In the case of insect bites, an important role is given to preventive measures and includes the destruction of insects in living quarters, the use of mosquito nets and other measures necessary in each case. Moreover, for the disease, an acute onset is typical. The disease develops within a few minutes and is characterized by the fact that a sharp pain appeared and the child's ear turned red. There is a sharp swelling of the ear. When a wasp or bee stings, an asymmetry of the lesion is characteristic.
First aid for a wasp sting involves removing the sting. It would be ideal to use disinfected tweezers for this. The use of antihistamines, tavegil, suprastin, etc. is shown. A good effect is achieved when using the external agent Fenistil gel. In order to reduce swelling and pain, the use of cold vinegar compresses is recommended. If the general condition worsens, the appearance of severe weakness, loss of consciousness, it is necessary to take the patient to a medical institution in the near future to provide specialized care.
Ear trauma
The presence of a traumatic ear injury is also accompanied by the appearance of changes in the skin. Depending on the localization of the lesion, there may be a red ear in a child inside the external auditory canal or a pathological focus in the area of the auricle can be determined. This lesion can be caused by inaccurate holding of the ear toilet, as well as trauma to it with sharp objects or a foreign body. Otolaryngologists note a sufficient number of cases of the introduction of a foreign body into the ear in children from 2 to 5 years old during incorrect play with small objects.
Untimely removal of a traumatic object in the absence of disinfecting measures can lead to the addition of infection and the development of inflammatory processes in the outer ear.
Treatment measures in this case include
- extraction of a foreign body;
- regular antiseptic treatment of the affected area;
- if necessary, the use of ointment or ear drops containing antibiotics.
Otitis externa
The cause of the inflammatory process in the outer ear can be not only trauma, but also the effect of a bacterial or fungal pathogen.
If a child has a red ear outside the auricle, as well as pronounced peeling and itching, then a scraping from the surface of the affected focus is a help in diagnosis. This study allows you to determine the fungal nature of the pathogen, and the bacteriological culture carried out - to clarify the pathogen and prescribe the appropriate treatment. These can be ointments or ear drops that contain antifungal agents. The typical place of localization of the fungal process is behind the ear.
The bacterial process in the area of the outer ear is often local in nature and is manifested by a focus of purulent inflammation. The most typical form of this process is a boil. The disease is prone to regression, when, after several days, a decrease in pain syndrome, swelling can be observed, hyperemia becomes less pronounced.
In the event that the use of external antibiotics, antiseptic agents did not work, a breakthrough of the focus is noted with the release of purulent contents outside. In this case, measures in the wound aimed at ensuring the outflow of pus are important. Levomekol gel has become widespread, the use of which helps to cleanse the wound.
With a severe course of the process, it is possible to open the boil by a surgeon.
To clarify the diagnosis, a specialist consultation should be carried out. It is the otolaryngologist who will be able to clarify the diagnosis, prescribe the necessary examinations and decide on the treatment tactics.
