With the development of pain in the ear, consultation with an otolaryngologist is necessary to clarify the diagnosis. Since the middle section of the ear is accessible for examination only with the help of an otoscope, then, if necessary, an instrumental examination should be carried out by a specialist.
Otoscopy allows you to assess the condition of the tympanic membrane and structures of the middle ear, to draw conclusions about the nature of the inflammation.
Objective results are important, since treatment tactics are determined depending on the data obtained. However, life situations may be such that consultation with an otolaryngologist may not always be carried out in a timely manner. In this regard, knowledge of urgent measures for pain in the ear can help to improve the patient's condition in the near future, and contribute to the regression of the disease.
Home Treatment Principles
If it shoots in the ear, home treatment must be subject to certain conditions:
- be as safe as possible;
- alleviate the patient's condition.
The inflammatory process in the ear is characterized by the ability to regress at any of its stages. Carrying out therapeutic measures should facilitate this process.
If the ear shoots than to treat at home, depends on the presence and severity of symptoms. Catarrhal otitis media is accompanied by pain syndromes and is the initial stage of otitis media. Correct actions in this period will help to improve the condition and will not lead to its transformation into purulent inflammation.
The value of vasoconstrictor drops
Otitis media is a consequence of inflammatory processes in the auditory tube, which, as a result of swelling, the presence of mucus in it, becomes less passable. This leads to stagnation in the middle ear, promotes the transfer of bacterial pathogens into it. Consequently, taking actions aimed at improving the patency of the auditory tube, removing its swelling, will help to normalize the situation in the middle ear.
This property is possessed by nasal vasoconstrictor drops. By using them, you can achieve the removal of edema from the Eustachian tube, reduce the amount of mucus in it, that is, improve its drainage function. In addition, the use of nasal drops in appropriate dosages, taking into account the existing contraindications, is quite safe.
These funds are freely available in the pharmacy network and are ubiquitous in home first-aid kits. However, when using them without a doctor's prescription, it must be borne in mind that the use of these drugs may be accompanied by
- the development of tachycardia;
- increased blood pressure;
- headache;
- nausea;
- the development of angina pectoris.
The use of vasoconstrictors for a period of more than 7 days may be accompanied by rhinitis medication, when addiction to the drug develops.
In this case, the patient notes a deterioration in his condition. In some cases, uncontrolled use can lead to chronic nasal congestion and mucosal atrophy. However, the timely and correct use of these funds is an urgent measure in the development of otitis media.
Warming procedures
The next stage in the treatment of shooting pain in the ear is the use of warming procedures that mask pain sensations and help improve the condition. Dry heat, UFO lamps, wet and dry compresses can be used as such events.
The main component of a wet compress is most often ethyl or camphor alcohol, camphor oil.
Having folded the gauze in several layers and cutting out an opening for the ear in it, the resulting napkin is moistened in the existing solution and applied to the parotid region, passing the ear into it. Then they are covered with a layer of cotton wool and fixed on the head.
The resulting compress can remain on the ear for several hours until it cools.
The use of warming procedures has significant limitations. They are categorically contraindicated for purulent otitis media.
If this is not taken into account, the exudate under the influence of heat can spread to neighboring areas and lead to the development of severe purulent complications. The safest procedure is the use of a dry compress, the use of which is not designed to obtain additional heat, but to maintain the heat regime of the ear and immobilize the outer ear.
Ear drops for otitis media
As for the use of ear drops, their use without the consent of the otolaryngologist may be unsafe due to the presence of ototoxic components in the composition. Dangerous constituents for ear structures are
- alcohol;
- salicylates;
- some antibiotics (gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin).
The use of ear drops at home without first consulting a specialist is unacceptable.
However, the internal use of drugs with an analgesic effect is quite safe. The use of drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also helps to reduce body temperature, which improves the situation.
In addition, since otitis media is a secondary disease, complicating ARVI and other pathological conditions occurring with inflammation of the auditory tube, it is also necessary to continue the treatment of the underlying disease. Drinking plenty of fluids, gargling, irrigation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, and other therapeutic measures should be continued.
Principles of antibiotic therapy
As for the use of an antibiotic in this process, catarrhal otitis media in most cases passes without the use of this group of drugs. The appointment of these funds is discussed only with a severe course of the process and pronounced symptoms of intoxication. In addition, at this stage, antibiotic ear drops are ineffective, since with an intact tympanic membrane, they do not penetrate into the middle ear cavity.
Amoxicillin tablet preparation should be taken in an appropriate dosage for at least 7-10 days.
In a situation where a timely qualified consultation is postponed, and the use of ear drops is dangerous, it is possible to use this systemic drug.
Catarrhal otitis media can transform into purulent and lead to the development of severe and dangerous complications. In this regard, it is necessary to make every effort to conduct a timely consultation with an ENT doctor.
