How to put drops in the ears for otitis media in adults

Otitis is an inflammatory disease of one of the parts of the ear, for the treatment of which special drops are used. Incorrect exposure to pathology can result in irreversible hearing loss or complete loss, so at the first signs of ear inflammation it is better to consult an otolaryngologist.

Antiseptics

Hydrogen peroxide

This is one of the most famous medicines, which is probably in every home.
Its antiseptic properties are well known. Upon contact with blood, pus and other organic substances, peroxide oxidizes and deactivates them. The substance is effective against germs and bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide is used:

• for disinfection of the external auditory canal for diffuse and focal inflammation localized in it;
• to remove pus from the ear canal with purulent otitis media.

The drug has no contraindications.

Boric acid

The disinfectant effect of boric acid was known long before the appearance of the first antibiotics. Today its use is the disinfection of the ear canal for external otitis with an intact eardrum. Turundas soaked in boric acid are inserted into the ear canal 2 times a day.

This medication is toxic and imposes restrictions on its use:

• The substance should not enter the tympanic cavity and therefore is not used for otitis media.
• Boric acid is slowly eliminated from the body and tends to accumulate in tissues. The drug should not be used for more than 5 days.
• Contraindicated for children and pregnant women.

Ear drops - application

In order for the prescribed ear drops for otitis media to have a therapeutic effect more quickly, the patient must strictly adhere to the dosage, frequency of dosing of the drug and the rules for using the drug. Before use, ear drops must be warmed to room temperature and the external auditory canal must be cleaned before instillation. The procedure is always carried out in a horizontal position, and after instillation, do not immediately stand up to prevent the solution from leaking out.

How to put drops in your ears correctly?

In order for the therapy to bring the expected result, every patient with ENT pathology must understand how to properly instill drops into the ear.

When carrying out the procedure, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Instillation is carried out using a sterile polyethylene dropper supplied with the drug, or you can purchase a pipette at the pharmacy, which is sterilized by boiling.
2. Before instillation, lay on one side so that the affected ear is on top
3. When instilling drops, the earlobe is pulled down and back for children, and up and back for adults.
4. The solution is warmed to room temperature.
5. Draw the solution into a pipette, insert a small section of it into the ear and press as many times as the number of drops the doctor prescribed.
6. After this, press on the tragus and massage it. It is recommended to lie on your side for 10–15 minutes, and then repeat the manipulation with the other ear.

How many drops should I put in my ear?

Instillation of drops into the ears should be done in strict accordance with medical prescriptions. The doctor indicates the drug, its dosage, frequency of use, and duration of therapy. Each case is individual, so there is no specific amount of the drug that needs to be instilled into the ears. In addition, the volume of a single dosage of ear drops is indicated by a specialist based on the clinical picture and symptoms. In most cases, the otolaryngologist prescribes 2-5 drops of the drug in each ear 3-4 times a day.

Ear pain occurs at the most inopportune moment; its intensity is comparable to toothache. Appears suddenly and causes severe discomfort.

There are many types of ear pain: shooting, radiating to the head, stabbing and cutting. But it never appears on its own - there is always a reason: either the onset of an inflammatory process, or as a consequence of a chronic or infectious disease. This symptom should not be left to chance; treatment should be prescribed by a doctor as soon as possible.

Anti-inflammatory with analgesic effect

Tsipromed

Cipromed contains one of the most widely used broad-spectrum antibiotics today – ciprofloxacin. Drops are the main means of topical use at the post-perforation stage of purulent otitis. The drug is instilled three times a day after clearing the ear of purulent discharge using hydrogen peroxide.

Tsipromed is not prescribed to pregnant women and children.

Otof drops contain the antibiotic rifamycin, which exceeds the effectiveness of penicillin and cephalosporin drugs. Otofu is used for purulent otitis of the middle ear, both with an intact eardrum and with a perforated one. A significant advantage of these drops is the absence of contraindications.

The maximum course of treatment is 3 days. Directions for use: drop 5 drops into the affected ear for a few minutes, then drain, repeat 2-3 times a day.

Normax

The basis of Normax drops is the antibiotic norfloxacin. The drug can be used both for inflammation in the external auditory canal and for the treatment of purulent otitis media with perforation of the eardrum.

Norfloxacin has numerous side effects on the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, etc. The drug causes a decrease in concentration and reaction speed, and therefore, when taking it, it is not recommended to drive a car or do work that requires concentration.

The following drops contain a corticosteroid drug - dexamethasone. It has important properties:

• Reduces local inflammation.
• Prevents the process of fluid exudation in the tympanic cavity.

Drops containing steroid drugs are not used if the integrity of the eardrum is compromised.

Steroid drops should not be used for more than 7 days if there is no significant improvement in the condition, because Dexamethasone can mask the ongoing infectious process.

Dexon

It is used for purulent and exudative otitis media of the middle ear, and for furunculosis in the external auditory canal. In addition to dexamethasone, the composition includes an antimicrobial antibiotic – neomycin. Dexona is instilled into the affected ear 3 times a day, 3 drops.

Dexona has numerous side effects and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the toxic neomycin.

Polydexa

Podilex ear drops

Another drug with neomycin is Polydexa. It also includes:

• antibiotic – polymyxin
• vasoconstrictor – phenylephrine.

Indications for use: otitis externa.

Sofradex

Sofradex drops contain antibiotics from two different groups - gramicidin and framecitin. Both have bactericidal activity against aerobic microorganisms and are intended for local treatment of diffuse or limited external otitis. The property that sets Sofradex apart from a number of similar drugs is its good antipruritic effect, which reduces the desire to scratch the ear.

Sofradex is instilled 2 drops 4 times a day.

Otipax

Adults can also use these drops. The active ingredients - phenazone and lidocaine - have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, respectively.

Otipax is instilled into the ear canal, 4 drops 3 times a day.

Otinum

The active ingredient of Otinum drops, a derivative of salicylic acid, reduces inflammation and pain in otitis externa and otitis media. It is advisable to refrain from using it if the eardrum is perforated, because drops may cause hearing loss.

Instill 3 drops 3 times a day. After a few minutes, the fluid from the ear is drained.

All antibiotic ear drops are divided into several types. Let's find out what these species are.

Special antibiotic solutions:

• Normax;
• Tsipromed;
• Fugentin;
• Lemomycetin, etc.

Combination drugs:

• Anauran;
• Garazon;
• Sofradex;
• Polydex et al.

Let's take a closer look at the features of the most popular products. We also recommend that you read the instructions for use of Polidex nasal spray.

Antibiotic products

Drops in the ears with an antibiotic are used for otitis in a course, no longer than indicated in the instructions for use. Like any antibiotics, although they do not penetrate into the blood, the drugs can negatively affect the microflora of the skin with long-term use.

For otitis in adults, ear drops Otofa, Normax, Fugentin, Cipropharm are used. For purulent otitis media, they sometimes resort to instilling a solution of chloramphenicol into the ear. The product is not used for children under one year of age, pregnant women and lactation.

Otofa

The active component of Otofa ear drops is the antibiotic rifamycin from the ansamycin group. This group includes such strong antibiotics as rifampicin and rifabutin.

These drugs suppress the activity of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, tubercle bacilli, and legionella. The antibiotic copes with strains of bacteria resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins.

A wide spectrum of action allows Otofu to be used for acute otitis media with suppuration from the ear and severe pain.

Tsipromed

The antibiotic cycloprofsacin, on the action of which the use of Tsipromed is based, belongs to the fluoroquinolones. Medicines in this series have a bacteriostatic, bactericidal effect on most bacteria and protozoa.

Tsipromed can be instilled in case of perforation of the membrane after removal of pus from the tympanic cavity. These drops are suitable for the treatment of chronic otitis media during the recovery period after ear surgery.

Drops help get rid of pain and discomfort in the ear after water penetrates into it with the development of “swimmer’s ear.”

Reasons for development

Otitis media (treatment in adults depends on the cause of the pathology) can develop as a result of exposure to the following factors:

• prolonged stay without a hat outside in windy or cold weather, as well as general hypothermia of the body;
• the presence of infection in the body. Most often, otitis media develops as a complication of acute respiratory infections, influenza or scarlet fever;
• frequent irritation of the nasopharynx from tobacco smoke, chemicals or alcohol;
• working in hazardous industries or living in a polluted region;
• chronic rhinitis, enlarged adenoids or deviated nasal septum;
• weakened immunity or vitamin deficiency, as a result, the infection quickly penetrates the body and begins to develop;
• entry of contaminated water into the ear canal;
• frequent changes in atmospheric pressure (when immersed in water, flying on airplanes);
• prolonged stress, severe fatigue, physical exhaustion;
• caries. Through a decayed tooth, the infection quickly penetrates the ear canal;
• kidney dysfunction;
• the presence of endocrine diseases;
• injury to the auricle or ear canal by a foreign body, sound wave or jet of hot/cold air;
• frequent allergic reactions accompanied by a runny nose;
• lack of hygiene in the ear canals or improper hygiene;
• hereditary predisposition due to the structural features of the auditory canal.

Otitis media can also be a complication after ENT surgery.

Antiseptics

Antiseptic drugs are prescribed for inflammatory processes in the outer and middle ear. The action of the products is aimed at destroying pathogenic microorganisms and reducing their ability to reproduce. In addition, antiseptics are prescribed to treat the ear canal with wax plugs and purulent discharge from the ear.

Doctors recommend using the following antiseptics for ear inflammation:

• Okomistin.
  Okomistin. Active ingredient: Miramistin. It has a wide spectrum of action and fights against many groups of microorganisms. Can be used by pregnant women and children over 1 year of age; earlier use should be supervised by a doctor. Apply 3 drops to each ear three times a day.
• Furacilin.
  Alcohol solution of Furacilin . Active ingredient: Nitrofural. Not for use in children, pregnant women, or during lactation. For these groups, it is recommended to use an aqueous solution; it must be added using a turunda. Carry out the procedures three times a day.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
  Hydrogen peroxide. Prescribed in the presence of purulent discharge from the ear. If exudate is released from the ear canal, this indicates perforation of the eardrum. In this condition, nothing should be dripped into the ear. Peroxide is applied to an ear stick or a cotton swab and carefully inserted into the ear canal and twisted slightly. After a few minutes, remove the soaked crusts with a dry cotton swab. It is recommended to carry out this manipulation before applying medicinal drops.

In addition, antiseptics are prescribed in the form of solutions for rinsing the ear canal. The method of application is selected by the doctor.

Can otitis media go away on its own?

Otitis (treatment in adults is the same mandatory procedure as in children) is a dangerous disease, since in the absence of treatment, the pathology can result not only in the development of deafness.

The auditory canal is located close to the brain, as a result, an infection can affect this organ, which is dangerous for the development of more serious complications than hearing loss. Therefore, ignoring the symptoms of pathology or self-medicating is extremely dangerous.

Otitis media can go away on its own if the external auditory region is mildly affected, there is no infection and the patient has a strong immune system. But to make this diagnosis, a visit to an ENT specialist is required. It is important that even in this case, the probability of developing complications (in the absence of treatment) can be 70%.

Otitis media

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle part of the hearing organ. This kind of ear inflammation is one of the most common diseases on Earth. Hundreds of millions of people suffer from ear infections every year. According to various data, from 25% to 60% of people have suffered from otitis media at least once in their lives.

Causes

In most cases, inflammation of the middle ear is not a primary disease. As a rule, it is a complication of external otitis or infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract - tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, as well as acute viral diseases - influenza, measles, scarlet fever.

How does an infection from the respiratory tract get into the ear? The fact is that she has a direct path there - this is the Eustachian tube. When you have respiratory symptoms such as sneezing or coughing, particles of mucus or phlegm may be pushed up the tube into your ear. In this case, both inflammation of the Eustachian tube itself (eustachitis) and inflammation of the middle ear can occur.

The cause of otitis media can also be mastoiditis, allergic reactions that cause swelling of the mucous membranes.

Otitis ear has several varieties. First of all, a distinction is made between chronic and acute otitis media. According to the degree of development, otitis of the middle ear is divided into exudative, purulent and catarrhal. Exudative otitis media of the ear is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the tympanic cavity. With purulent otitis media of the middle ear, the appearance of pus and its accumulation are noted.

Symptoms in adults primarily include ear pain. Pain with otitis media can be acute or shooting. Sometimes pain can be felt in the temple or crown area, it can pulsate, subside or intensify. With exudative otitis media, there may be a sensation of water splashing in the ear.

Sometimes there is ear congestion, as well as a feeling of hearing one's own voice (autophony) or just a vague noise in the ear. Tissue swelling, hearing loss, fever, and headaches are often observed. However, an increase in temperature is often not a symptom of otitis media, but only a symptom of the infectious disease that caused it - acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections or influenza.

The most complex course is observed in the purulent form of otitis media. In this case, the main symptom of otitis media is the discharge of pus. The tympanic cavity is filled with pus, and the body temperature rises to 38-39ºС. Pus can thin the surface of the eardrum and form a hole in it through which it leaks out.

However, this process is generally beneficial, since the pressure in the cavity drops, and as a result the pain becomes less acute. The process of draining pus takes about a week. From this moment, the temperature drops to subfebrile levels and wound healing begins. The total duration of the disease is 2-3 weeks with proper and timely treatment.

The chronic form of the disease is characterized by a sluggish infectious process, in which there are seasonal surges, during which the disease becomes acute.

Diagnostics

If you have suspicious symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Diagnosis is carried out by an otolaryngologist. The following diagnostic sign can be used for this. If an otolaryngologist’s patient puffs out his cheeks, then the immobility of the membrane indicates that air does not enter the tympanic cavity from the nasopharynx and, therefore, the Eustachian tube is blocked.

Inspection of the eardrum is carried out using an optical device - an otoscope. It also helps to identify some characteristic signs, for example, protrusion of the eardrum and its redness. Blood tests, computed tomography, and radiography can also be used for diagnosis.

Treatment

How to treat the disease? Treatment of otitis media is quite complex compared to treatment of external otitis. However, in most cases conservative treatment is used. First of all, in case of acute otitis media, it makes no sense to instill ear drops with antibacterial drugs, since they will not reach the site of inflammation.

However, for inflammation of the middle ear, the focus of which is directly adjacent to the eardrum, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drops can be instilled into the ear. They can be absorbed by the eardrum, and the substance will enter the region of the middle part of the organ of hearing, into the tympanic cavity.

Antibiotics are the main method of treating otitis media in adults and children. Typically, medications are taken in tablet form. However, if the eardrum has ruptured, antibiotic ear drops can also be used. A course of antibiotics must be prescribed by a doctor. He also chooses the type of antibiotics, since many of them have an ototoxic effect. Their use can cause irreversible hearing loss.

The greatest effectiveness for otitis media of the middle ear was demonstrated by a course of treatment with penicillin antibiotics, amoxicillin, as well as cephalosporins or macrolides. However, cephalosporin has an ototoxic effect, so it is not recommended to inject it directly into the ear through a catheter or instill it into the ear canal in case of damage to the eardrum. Antiseptic agents, such as miramistin, can also be used for therapy.

When treating otitis media, it is often necessary to use painkillers. To relieve pain in diseases of the middle part of the hearing organ, drops with painkillers, for example, lidocaine, are used.

In case of membrane perforation, scar stimulants are used to speed up its healing. These include ordinary iodine solution and silver nitrate 40%.

Glucocorticoids (prednisolone, dexomethasone), as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be used as anti-inflammatory drugs and agents that can relieve swelling. In the presence of allergic processes or with exudative otitis, antihistamines are used, for example, suparastin or tavegil.

Also, for exudative otitis media, medications are taken to thin the exudate, for example, carbocisteine. There are also complex drugs that have several types of action, for example, Otipax, Otinum, Otofa, Sofradex. In case of purulent discharge, you should regularly clean the ear canal of pus and rinse it with a weak stream of water.

Is it possible to warm your ear? It depends on the type of disease. In some cases, heat can speed up healing, while in others, on the contrary, it can aggravate the disease. In the purulent form of middle ear disease, heat is contraindicated, and in the catarrhal stage, heat promotes blood flow to the affected area and speeds up the patient’s recovery. Heat is also one of the effective ways to reduce pain during otitis media. However, only a doctor can give permission to use heat; self-medication is unacceptable. If heat is contraindicated, it can be replaced with physiotherapeutic procedures (UHF, electrophoresis).

They often resort to surgical treatment of the middle ear, especially in the case of a purulent version of the disease and its rapid development, which threatens severe complications. This operation is called paracentesis and is aimed at removing pus from the tympanic cavity. For mastoiditis, surgery can also be performed to drain the internal areas of the mastoid process.

Special catheters are also used to blow and clean the Eustachian tube. Medicines can also be administered through them.

Folk remedies for the treatment of middle ear inflammation in adults can only be used in relatively mild forms of the disease and with the permission of the attending physician. Here are some recipes suitable for treating otitis media.

Cotton wool is moistened with propolis infusion and inserted into the area of ​​the external auditory canal. This composition has wound healing and antimicrobial properties. The tampon must be changed several times a day. Plantain juice, instilled into the ear in the amount of 2-3 drops per day, has a similar effect. To get rid of infections of the nasopharynx and larynx, which provoke middle ear infections, you can use rinses based on chamomile, sage, and St. John's wort.

Complications

With proper therapy, otitis media can go away without leaving any long-term consequences. However, inflammation of the middle ear can cause several types of complications. First of all, the infection can spread to the inner ear and cause internal otitis media - labyrinthitis. It can also cause permanent or transient hearing loss or complete deafness in one ear.

Perforation of the eardrum also leads to hearing loss. Although, contrary to popular belief, the membrane can become overgrown, even after it is overgrown, hearing sensitivity will be permanently reduced.

Mastoiditis is accompanied by acute pain in the parotid space. It is also dangerous due to its complications - the breakthrough of pus on the membranes of the brain with the appearance of meningitis or in the neck area.

Combined products

The list of combined-action ear drops that are used in the treatment of otitis in adults and children includes the drugs Sofradex, Candibiotic, Anauran, Polydexa, Dexon, Combinil-Duo.

Sofradex

Sofradex ear drops are an inexpensive and effective medicine for acute otitis with antibiotics for children and a remedy for inflammation of the middle ear in adults. Drops can be instilled into the ear for otitis in adults and children for no longer than 7 days; the medicine is contraindicated in infants.

Sofradex includes 3 active components:

• aminoglycoside antibiotic framycetin sulfate;
• glucocorticosteroid dexamethasone;
• the antibiotic gramicidin C is a product intended strictly for external use.

The presence of Gramicidin C ensures the effectiveness of drops for purulent otitis media caused by streptococci and anaerobes.

Dexamethasone has an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the synthesis of inflammatory factors and blocking the activity of mast cells. The latter prevents the release of histamine, and reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.

Anauran

The combined antibacterial drug Anauran contains the antibiotics polymyxin, neomycin and the anesthetic lidocaine. The drug is used for otitis media, complications after operations on the eardrum, and bone labyrinth.

Polydexa

Polydex ear drops are used in the treatment of otitis externa, inflammation of the middle ear, provided the eardrum is intact. The medicine contains the glucocorticosteroid dexamethasone, the antibiotics neomycin and polymyxin B.

Polydexa is ototoxic to the fetus, which is why the use of this drug is limited during pregnancy.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rules for using the drug in the article Polydex with phenylephrine - how to take it.

Candibiotic

Candibiotic drops are a combination remedy with an antibiotic for the treatment of allergic otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear, and complications after operations. The product exhibits antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial activity and acts as an analgesic.

The antifungal effect is ensured by the presence of the synthetic antimycotic clotrimazole in the drops. The activity of clotrimazole extends to yeast, mold fungi, and dermatophytes.

The antibiotic chloramphenicol in the drops suppresses the activity of bacterial microflora and has a bacteriostatic effect. The antiallergic effect is provided by the hormonal compound beclomethasone.

The medicine is not used to treat otitis media in children under 6 years of age, during pregnancy, or in case of a ruptured eardrum.

Diagnostics

1. Taking anamnesis:

• predisposition to this disease is determined by the presence of provoking factors;
• ENT finds out what preceded the development of pathology (allergies, infectious diseases or work in hazardous work);
• How long have the symptoms been present and what kind.

2. Visual inspection:

• the doctor examines the ear canals using a mirror and otoscope;
• The method of palpation in the area of ​​the auricle is necessarily used to detect pain;
• examination of the nasal passages and larynx to detect swelling and redness;
• hearing quality testing;
• temperature measurement.

3. Taking urine and blood tests to detect infection in the body and determine the general condition of the patient.

4. If there is discharge from the ear, material is taken to determine the nature of the mucus. Additionally, a swab can be taken from the pharynx and nasal passage to determine the type of pathogen.

5. If necessary, tympanometry or reflectometry is performed to detect the presence of fluid in the ear canal.

6. If internal otitis or damage to nearby tissues is suspected, MRI, X-ray or CT is prescribed.

The diagnosis is established after all the examination results are ready, followed by the prescription of treatment methods.

Drops in the ears for otitis media with antibiotics

Local preparations containing an antibiotic are prescribed for exacerbation of chronic otitis, for acute purulent processes, for the prevention of inflammation in injuries or after surgery. Often these drugs are single-component.

The most famous representatives of this series:

• Normax.
  Normax . The active substance Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with broad antimicrobial properties. It is recommended for use from 12 years of age; earlier prescriptions are adjusted exclusively by a doctor. Despite the fact that the drug is local, it has the properties of being slightly absorbed into the blood. Patients with kidney and liver disease should be extremely careful when using. Prescribed 2 drops up to 6 times a day.
• Tsipromed.
  Tsipromed (Tsipropharm). Relieves inflammation due to the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin included in it, which is effective against many microorganisms. Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women. Prescribed 3 drops into the sore ear every 3-4 hours; for purulent otitis media, the procedure is recommended to be carried out after 2 hours.
• Dancil.
  Dancil. The active ingredient is Ofloxacin, which has a wide spectrum of antibacterial action. Recommended for use in adults; not recommended for children and pregnant women. Apply 3 drops every four hours.
• Otofa.
  Otofa. Contains Rifampicin. Recommended for use from 5 years of age. Place 2 drops into the ear three times a day or apply into the ear canal using a turunda.

Antibiotic drops should only be prescribed by a doctor. The wrong choice of remedy can aggravate the condition.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear. Labyrinthitis is the most dangerous of all types of otitis. With inner ear inflammation, typical symptoms include hearing loss, vestibular disturbances and pain. Treatment of internal otitis is carried out only with the help of antibiotics; no folk remedies will help in this case.

Labyrinthitis is dangerous due to hearing loss as a result of the death of the auditory nerve. Also, with internal otitis, complications such as meningitis, brain abscess, encephalitis are possible, which can lead to death.

Treatment of children

Inflammation in the internal sections is almost always a consequence of infection through the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear cavity. Due to inflammation of the mucous membrane, the Eustachian tube swells, and a pressure difference occurs on the eardrum from the outside and inside. Severe pain appears in the ear, which becomes unbearable if the disease progresses to a purulent stage.

The disease can occur in acute and chronic form. The most common type of otitis is acute otitis media, which occurs as a secondary infection against the background of a number of colds or viral diseases.

1. Penetration of infectious agents from the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract. The infection can travel through the ear canal to the eardrum. This happens when a person coughs or sneezes. With strong pressure on the ears, the infection along with mucus can penetrate into the middle part of the ear.
2. Also, the infectious process can penetrate the ear canal due to various injuries to the eardrum.
3. The disease may be a consequence of an acute respiratory viral disease.
4. Penetration of water into the ear canals, local hypothermia.
5. Development of allergic reactions.
6. Weakened immune system.
7. Hereditary tendency.

The ear festers most often due to sinusitis, rhinitis and adenoiditis. In the presence of chronic processes in the nasopharynx, the drainage system of the ear canal is disrupted, due to which pathogenic microflora can easily penetrate into it.

Otipax

Otipax

Sofradex

Sofradex

Otitis media in adults is much less common than this disease in children. This is due, firstly, to the weaker immunity of the child’s body. Therefore, infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract are more common in children. In addition, the structural features of the auditory tube in children contribute to stagnant processes in it. It has a straight profile, and the expanded lumen at its entrance facilitates the entry of mucus and even pieces of food or vomit (in infants).

Careful treatment of otitis media in childhood is very important. If improper treatment is carried out, the disease can become chronic and make itself felt already in adulthood with chronic outbreaks. In addition, if otitis media is not treated in infancy, this can lead to partial hearing loss, and this, in turn, leads to a delay in the child’s mental development.

Products for children

When treating an inflammatory process in a child's ears, drops should be used in a certain dosage. We list the most effective medications for children of different ages below.

• Infants can be prescribed Otipax ear drops, in which the active substance is phenazone. This drug is prescribed in a dosage of 3 drops 4 times a day.
• From 1 month. Sick children at this age can be prescribed Otof ear drops. The main component in them is rifampicin. This remedy is prescribed in a dosage of 3 drops 3 times a day.
• From 1 year. Sick children are prescribed Miramidez ear drops, in which the main active ingredient is Miramistin. The drug is taken 3 drops 3 times a day.
• From 1 year. Sick children may be prescribed the drug Otinum. These are eye drops that contain choline salicylate as the main active ingredient. The dosage of these drops should be 3 drops 3 times a day.

Miramidez: application

This remedy is a drug that has an antimicrobial effect. Its use in the treatment of inflammation in the ear allows you to relieve a child from fungal, acute or chronic otitis media. The main feature of this anti-inflammatory medicine is that it has no effect on the cell membranes of the human body. Taking the drug enhances local protective reactions and also helps to activate the immune system.

If a child develops external otitis, turunda soaked in this drug is inserted into the ear. It is a cotton swab, which after removal must be left for 15 minutes. This procedure must be done 3 times a day. You can also use this remedy in other ways. When treating inflammation of the middle ear in a child, you can simply instill these ear drops into the ear canal.

Use of the drug Otofa

A semi-synthetic antibiotic can be prescribed to sick children in the following cases:

• otitis media, occurring in acute or chronic form;
• damage to the eardrum;
• upon detection of otitis media, developing in both acute and chronic forms.

Before using these ear drops, you need to hold the bottle in your palms for a while to allow the medicine to warm up. This is necessary so that during the procedure, when the medicine is administered into the ear canal, the sick child does not experience discomfort. It is prohibited to touch the bottle to the hearing organ. In this case, the risk of infection in the ear will be completely eliminated. At the same time, during the procedure, instillation of the medicine should be done carefully.

Otipax: use of the drug

These ear drops are designed to treat inflammation that occurs in the ear. The drug contains components such as lidocaine and phenazone. Thanks to their presence, the use of this medicine in the treatment of otitis media ensures the elimination of pain in the hearing organ in a short time. It should be noted that the anti-inflammatory drug Otipax has disinfectant properties and, when used, does not damage the eardrum.

These ear drops for inflammation can be prescribed to sick children in the following cases:

• when a child develops external and otitis media, occurring in the acute phase;
• there is ear congestion, which was provoked by complications of influenza or ARVI;
• damage to the hearing organ due to barotrauma.

This medicine has several contraindications. For this reason, it is prescribed even for the treatment of inflammatory processes in the ear in infants. It is worth saying that antibiotic ear drops are available in a convenient form, which does not create problems when using it for treatment. The package with the drug contains a soft pipette, which makes it easier to administer the drug and its dosage.

Prevention of purulent otitis media

• timely treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases;
• preventing dirty water from entering the ear canal;
• treatment of diseases that negatively affect the immune system;
• direct strength to strengthen the immune system - balance the diet, walk more in the fresh air, devote time to sports activities.

To prevent the development of purulent otitis media in children, you should adhere to the following recommendations from specialists:

• The child should not be allowed to become hypothermic. For example, if you are going for a walk with him in windy weather, be sure to wear a hat. When leaving the room in cold weather, you should not go out without a hat;
• promptly treat any diseases of the nasopharynx and oropharynx;
• It is recommended to use a rubber cap when swimming in the pool;
• After bathing, carefully clean the ear canal of water using a cotton swab.

It is important to harden your child, do exercises with him, and follow the vaccination schedule. In order to prevent the occurrence of otitis media in infants, mothers are advised to:

• after feeding, hold the baby in an upright position for some time;
• make sure that milk does not come out of the bottle in large drops;
• Do not feed the baby in a lying position; his head should be slightly elevated.

Under no circumstances should you warm up your child’s ears or do any treatment on your own. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe proper treatment.

Prevention includes preventing situations such as hypothermia of the body, primarily the ear area, and dirty water getting into the ear canal area. It is necessary to promptly treat inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Ear drops - names

When selecting ear drops for a patient, the otolaryngologist takes into account the type of disorder, its stage, severity of symptoms, the presence of allergic reactions and contraindications in the patient. More often in their practice, doctors encounter inflammatory and infectious processes. The basis of therapy in such cases is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs in drops. Such medications are used for diseases of the middle and inner ear. In case of violations of the external part, they are treated with antiseptic agents.

All ear drops used in otolaryngology can be divided into:

• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• combined.

Ear drops for inflammation

Anti-inflammatory drops can be used in the following cases:

• otitis media;
• otitis externa;
• acute catarrhal inflammation of the ear;
• pain syndrome.

Antibiotic ear drops are used only after the cause of the disorder, the type of pathogen, has been established. As part of complex therapy, they can also be used for inflammatory processes. Common anti-inflammatory drugs include:

1. Otinum.
   It is used for catarrhal forms of inflammation, acute external and otitis media, as well as preparing the ears for rinsing in the presence of plugs.
2. Otipax.
   The drug also contains an anesthetic, which relieves pain during inflammation. Indicated for acute otitis media caused by complications of influenza. Prohibited for persons allergic to lidocaine.

Ear drops for ear pain

In case of ear diseases, the painful sensations are pronounced and unbearable. The pain can radiate to the temple, back of the head, upper or lower jaw. Therefore, drops in the ears for otitis media often contain an anesthetic component. Among the disorders used for similar symptoms:

1. Anauran
   - lidocaine is used as an anesthetic.
2. Polydexa
   - contains a hormonal anti-inflammatory component.
3. Sofradex
   - dexamethasone acts as an anesthetic in these combined drops. You can use these drops for ear pain in children after 7 years of age.

Ear drops for ear congestion

When choosing ear drops for ear congestion, doctors are guided by the cause that caused the disorder. They can be different:

• sulfur plug;
• getting in water while swimming;
• entry of a foreign body;
• fungus.

Depending on the type of disorder, the therapeutic process is selected. Often congestion can develop against the background of complications of previous infectious and viral diseases. In such cases, the drugs mentioned above are used. However, when examining the contents of the ear canal, in some cases a fungal component may also be detected. In such cases, use ear drops against fungus:

Ear drops to remove wax plugs

If personal hygiene rules are violated or the ear canals are not promptly cleaned of accumulated earwax, patients are faced with a problem such as ear plugs. To remove such formations, so as not to harm health, doctors recommend contacting medical institutions, especially if the problem occurs in a child. During the procedure, preparations based on sea water or vegetable oils are often used. When performing this kind of manipulation, doctors use the following drops for ear plugs:

1. A-cerumen
   - drops containing collagen, cocobetaine, methylglucose dioleate. Allowed for children from two and a half years old.
2. Aqua-Maris Oto
   is a preparation based on sea water, used to treat adults and children from 1 year of age.
3. Remo-Vax
   are oil-based drops made from natural ingredients.