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EaracheDefinition of Earache: Earache is defined as pain in the ear. This can occur because of conditions within the ear itself, the ear canal, or the visible external portion of the ear. Acute infection of the middle ear, medically called acute otitis media, is inflammation of the middle ear and is the most frequent diagnosis in sick children.. The Eustachian tube is shorter in children than an adult which allows easy entry of bacteria and viruses into the middle ear, resulting in acute otitis media in childhood. Infection of the ear canal (otitis externa) is also called swimmer's ear. Otitis externa is typically caused by bacterial infection. Earache can also be due to pain and inflammation of the outer portion of the ear. A child with a draining ear should not fly (or swim). Types of Earache: Eustachian Tube Problems The Eustachian tube is a membrane lined tube that connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Its primary function is to ventilate the middle ear, ensuring that the pressure inside the ear remains at near normal ambient air pressure. The secondary function of the Eustachian tube is to drain any accumulated secretions, infection, or debris from the middle ear space. Several small muscles located in the back of the throat and palate control the opening and closing of the tube. Swallowing and yawning cause contraction of these muscles, and help to regulate Eustachian tube function. If it were not for the Eustachian tube, the middle ear cavity would be an isolated air pocket inside the head that would be vulnerable to every change in air pressure and lead to an unhealthy ear. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed which helps prevent the inadvertent contamination of the middle ear by the normal secretions found in the back of the nose. A tube that is always open is called a patulous Eustachian tube. Patients with this rare condition are plagued by chronic ear infections. A much more common problem is a failure of the Eustachian tube to regulate pressure effectively. Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause popping, clicking, and ear fullness. As Eustachian tube function worsens, air pressure in the middle ear falls, and the ear feels full and sounds are muffled. Eventually, a vacum is created which can then cause fluid to be drawn into the middle ear space (termed serous otitis media). If the fluid becomes infected, the common ear infection (supperative otitis media) develops. Acute otitis media is usually of rapid onset and short duration. Acute otitis media typically causes fluid accumulation in the middle ear together with signs or symptoms of ear infection; a bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain, or a perforated ear drum, often with drainage of purulent material (pus). Fever can be present. Chronic otitis media is a persistent inflammation of the middle ear, typically for a minimum of a month. This is in distinction to an acute ear infection (acute otitis media) that usually lasts only several weeks. Following an acute infection, fluid (an effusion) may remain behind the ear drum (tympanic membrane) for up to 3 months before resolving. Chronic otitis media may develop after a prolonged period of time with fluid (effusion) or negative pressure behind the ear drum (tympanic membrane). Chronic otitis media can cause ongoing damage to the middle ear and ear drum and there may be continuing drainage through a hole in the ear drum. Chronic otitis media often starts painlessly without fever. Ear pressure or popping can be persistent for months. Sometimes a subtle loss of hearing can be due to chronic otitis media. Otitis media is the most common diagnosis in sick children. Young children, infants, and preschoolers are particularly prone. Ramsay Hunt syndrome Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a herpes zoster virus infection of the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. Ramsay Hunt syndrome causes paralysis of the facial muscles on the same side of the face as the infection. So, the virus inflames a particular nerve that normally innervates the muscles of the face. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is typically associated with a rash (inflamed vesicles or tiny water-filled bumps in the skin) in or around the ear, and sometimes on the roof of the mouth. How does Ramsay Hunt syndrome compare with Bell's palsy? Bell's palsy also is a result of injury to the facial nerve by virus infection. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is more commonly painful than Bell's palsy. Bell's palsy, on the other hand, is most likely caused by an infection of the facial nerve by an unknown virus (as opposed to the herpes zoster virus). Relapsing polychondritis Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the cartilage that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body. Tissues containing cartilage that can become inflamed include the ears, nose, joints, spine, and windpipe (trachea). The eyes, heart, and blood vessels, which have a biochemical makeup similar to that of cartilage, can also be affected. "Swimmer's ear" or acute external otitis External otitis or "swimmer's ear" is an infection of the skin covering the outer ear and ear canal. Acute external otitis is commonly a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas types of bacteria. The swimmer's ear infection is usually caused by excessive water exposure. When water collects in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin will become soggy and serve as an inviting culture media for bacteria. Cuts or abrasions in the lining of the ear canal (for example, from cotton swab injury) can also predispose to bacterial infection of the ear canal. Treatment for Earache Initially, antibiotics may resolve the infection. If a tympanic membrane perforation is also present, topical antibiotic drops may be used. If eardrum or ossicle scarring has occurred, that will not be reversed with antibiotics alone. Surgery is often indicated to repair the tympanic membrane (eardrum), remove the infected tissue and scar from the middle ear and the mastoid bone. Infection can spread from the ear to the nose and throat and as such Earache must be taken seriously and a doctor consulted. Sometimes Earache can be associated with a cold, sinus problems or other nasal infections. Aromatherapy treatments can help to ease the pain but must be used in conjunction with a doctors advise and medication. Make a hot compress of Lavender and Chamomile Roman essential oils as this may help to ease the pain. Also try gently massaging Lavender and Chamomile Roman essential oils diluted in carrier oil round the ear. If the pain is severe try adding 2 drops of Birch essential oil to the Lavender and Chamomile Roman essential oils in the hot compress or the massage blend. |
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