Otitis media is a common disease in children of different age groups and adults. There are various forms and variants of the course of otitis media. The inflammatory process in the ear cannot be stopped without proper treatment, which must be started in a timely manner. Boric acid and boric alcohol are known to more than one generation of patients, and they have been included in the therapy of otitis media for many decades. These funds can be easily found in home first-aid kits, they are distinguished by an attractive cost, which allows us to hope for a quick effect. Does the use of boric acid preparations give good results? Are they safe for the health of patients? All these questions need to be discussed before starting treatment in order to understand what effect boric acid has and what are the indications for prescribing in case of otitis media.
Description
How is otitis media treated with boric acid? First, you need to figure out what the main substance is, what are the differences between the drugs in which it is included - and whether they can fully replace each other.
The named drugs belong to the group of antiseptics and disinfectants. The range of applications is wide enough - they can be prescribed for various dermatological, ophthalmological, gynecological and otolaryngological pathologies. The acid comes in powder form, usually in small sachets. Has the following characteristics:
- colorless;
- shiny;
- dissolves in water;
- soluble in alcohol.
The powder looks like fine crystals. The drug has the following effects:
- Antibacterial.
- Antimycotic (antifungal).
- Antiparasitic.
- Astringent.
Boric alcohol is called an alcoholic solution of boric acid. Thus, both drugs represent different variants of the same drug. Boric acid for otitis media is used in the form of boric alcohol, which can be purchased at pharmacies.
Boric acid and boric alcohol are for external use only.
Action for otitis media
How can boric acid help if otitis media occurs? It must be remembered that there are different forms of this disease. Otitis externa is characterized by inflammation of the outer ear, otitis media is characterized by a lesion of the middle ear. Drops based on an alcohol solution of the product can be used in the case of:
- external diffuse otitis media;
- otitis media in the preperforative stage.
At the stage of perforation of the tympanic membrane after the onset of suppuration, boric alcohol with otitis media is prohibited to drip. If the drug gets into the ear, it causes irritation of the mucous membrane and causes significant discomfort in the patient. Moreover, even if the integrity of the tympanic membrane is preserved, drops cannot be used for a long time - they irritate the skin of the ear canal.
"Boric acid for otitis media - instructions for use" is one of the most frequent questions of the patient addressed to the attending physician. The introduction of drugs is carried out using:
- Drops (3 to 5 drops 2-3 times a day).
- Turund (turundas soaked in boric alcohol are inserted into the external auditory canal).
Drops should not be injected cold - their temperature should be on average 40 ° C, so the solution is heated (avoiding overheating). The turunda should fill the external auditory canal up to the eardrum, but you cannot forcefully push it inside the ear - this can cause serious damage. The introduction of turunda, as well as its extraction, is carried out very carefully.
The concentration of the solution, the dosage and the duration of keeping the turunda in the ear is determined by the attending physician. Alcohol can be used in a mixture with glycerin for an endaural microcompress to achieve an analgesic effect.
Boric acid is prohibited to use when breastfeeding, under the age of 1 year, with impaired renal function.
Otitis media in children
If boric acid is available at home, use for otitis media in a child can be the first aid. Is it correct to drip an alcohol solution into your ears? Should you be afraid of unwanted effects?
Boric acid preparations are not recommended for children. They are especially dangerous for newborns. The wide popularity and low price of an alcohol solution makes it an ideal remedy for otitis media from the point of view of adult patients. However, it can cause acute and chronic poisoning in a child. Even in the medical environment, they began to talk about this not so long ago - nevertheless, this information is as relevant as possible for families with small children. The desire to quickly relieve pain and eliminate inflammation can lead to serious consequences for the child's health.
Boric acid is able to accumulate in the body - while it is excreted rather slowly.
You can often hear about the toxicity of the drug in the case of skin diseases - in the recommendations for use, it is prohibited to treat large areas of lesions. However, in the case of drops, a similar effect is observed - the active substance is cumulated and can cause systemic toxic effects. The younger the child, the more active the absorption of acid through the skin and mucous membranes occurs, even with accidental application (for example, when treating the mother's nipples).
When prescribing a drug, the doctor has to assess the expected benefits and likely risks - especially if the drug cannot be replaced with another, more suitable one. In the case of otitis media, the use of boric alcohol is not the only possible method of therapy: there are a large number of ear drops that have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect at the same time - and at the same time are safe for children. The acid has low antimicrobial activity. It cannot "compete" with antibacterial agents for local and systemic use. Therefore, the inclusion of the drug in the treatment of otitis media in children cannot be recommended - it is necessary to consult a pediatrician and choose an alternative drug that is suitable in a particular case.
