Truth and myths about the contagiousness of otitis media

Otitis externa

This condition, like any other ailment, has a certain classification. Having dealt with the question of whether otitis media is contagious or not, you can pay attention to studying its types.

This type of disease is manifested by inflammation of the outer ear of a limited or diffuse nature. A typical symptom is a boil. Infiltration is obvious, and severe pain is also felt. Opening a boil can be fraught with the development of furunculosis.

Otitis externa (ICD-10 code - H60) is of two types:

• Limited. It begins with a feeling of severe itching that develops into pain. It radiates to the jaw, back of the head, and temple. When chewing, the sensation intensifies. Sleep is disturbed. Infiltration often reaches a significant volume.
• Diffuse. It begins with a “bursting” sensation, fever and itching. The pain occurs quickly and radiates to the entire half of the head. Such otitis media can lead not only to sleep disturbances, but also to anorexia. Regional lymph nodes also enlarge.

Whether otitis media is contagious or not is clear, but what is the reason for its appearance? Well, this needs to be discussed separately.

Types of otitis

The structure of the ear suggests the presence of three main sections. And depending on the location of the pathogens, internal, middle and external types of otitis are distinguished. Of these, the first two are not considered contagious for several reasons.

• Otitis interna cannot be the primary disease because this part of the ear is deep in the temporal bone. An infection can only get here from the middle ear or cranial area. Therefore, the airborne route of spread for this type of otitis is closed.
• The middle ear is also a sealed space, closed from the outside world by the eardrum. The only thing that connects this section of the auditory system with the outside world is the Eustachian tube, which is a rather thin formation. Therefore, otitis media developing in these places is not contagious.

Cause

Otitis externa occurs as a result of infection in the external auditory canal. If it is mechanically or chemically damaged, the pathogen will end up in the body.

Many people, knowing this, therefore ask the question “is otitis media contagious or not.” Therefore, the answer is twofold: no, because this inflammation is only a possible consequence of the penetration of pyogenic staphylococcus into the body. And yes, since they “catch” it, as a rule, from the bacteria carrier - the one in whose body it already exists. Moreover, he, by the way, may not be sick himself.

External diffuse otitis, for example, is caused by Klebsiella, Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, Moraxella, Candida fungi, pneumococci, etc.

For the disease to develop, the ear must be damaged. Also a provoking factor is reduced skin barrier function and reduced immunity. Not all carriers of bacteria suffer from otitis media due to the fact that the defenses of their bodies are strong - the pathogen simply does not have the conditions for progression.

Is otitis media contagious?

Not many people know how otitis media is transmitted. Inflammation of the external passage is considered one of the dangerous forms for society. The main feature is that it does not affect the eardrum. Unlike other types, the source of infection is not closed, and contact with the diseased organ occurs regularly.

Purulent otitis media develops when microbes enter the mucous membrane. The main pathogens are:

• Staphylococcus pyogenes;
• hemophilus influenzae;
• Pneumococcus;
• klebsiella;
• Moraxella;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• fungus from the genus Candida.

You can become infected with otitis media from another person if there are lesions, injuries or wounds on the skin. Some patients have increased resistance to viruses and bacteria. Therefore, inflammation is not contagious for them, since a strong immune system can independently cope with microbes.

How to get otitis media or inner ear? It is enough to contact a sick person in a weakened state and touch the outer ear canal with dirty hands.

Limited otitis

Each form should be described in detail. The symptoms of otitis media and the causes of the disease have already been said, but what about treatment?

After diagnosis, including examination by an otolaryngologist and otoscopy, an opening of the boil is usually prescribed. After this operation, all the pus flows out of the ear, and the pain syndrome decreases sharply. The procedure is very serious, as there is a risk of provoking contamination of the remaining hair follicles concentrated in the ear canal. What does this mean? The formation of a huge number of boils, which leads to furunculosis.

But while the infiltration stage is observed, the affected area is only treated with silver nitrate, and the inside is treated with antibacterial ointment. Instillation of antibiotics (Ofloxacin, Neomycin, etc.) is also indicated. Taking analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pain.

Causes of otitis media

Untreated infections of the upper respiratory tract (sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, sinusitis), ingress and accumulation of fluid in the ear, infections caused by various sharp objects (when cleaning the ears on your own), frequent contact with water (for example, when swimming), allergy.

The ear consists of several sections, each of which has its own functions and diseases.

The outer ear is the part of the ear that can be seen. It is the auricle that is associated with the organ of hearing, although its importance for the very ability to hear is the least. The task of the auricle is to capture sound vibrations and direct them into the ear canal, which ends at the eardrum. The middle ear begins behind the eardrum.

The middle ear performs the function of sound conduction. Just behind the eardrum is the tympanic cavity, a very limited space that amplifies and processes the sound signal. The tympanic cavity contains very small sound ossicles. The bones have original names: malleus, anvil and stirrup. The handle of the malleus is firmly connected to the eardrum, which vibrates under the influence of sound waves, these vibrations are transmitted along the chain of ossicles, and the base of the stapes is located in a special hole in the temporal bone, behind which the inner ear begins.

The inner ear is a complex system of canals. Located in the temporal bone and forms the auditory organ called the cochlea. The unusual name is explained by the shape of the canals, which are very reminiscent of a snail. The canals are filled with fluid and hair cells. A certain frequency of sound causes vibrations of very specific hair cells, which convert mechanical vibrations into a nerve impulse. The impulses are perceived by the auditory nerve and transferred to special nuclei of the brain.

Now we know that anatomically and physiologically there are 3 sections of the ear (external, middle and internal), doctors also diagnose 3 types of otitis - external, middle and internal or otitis of the inner ear, usually called Labyrinthitis.

The most common type of otitis is otitis media.

Diffuse otitis media

And we need to tell you a little more about this form. Is this form of otitis transmitted? Not either (only bacteria that provoke it). An illness of this type is often fraught with hearing loss and is also accompanied by discharge from the ear. Therefore, it is called purulent otitis media. The disease occurs quite often in adults and children.

The acute period lasts 2-3 weeks. Then the symptoms subside and the patient recovers. However, sometimes the disease becomes chronic. The consequences are scars that reduce the lumen of the ear canal.

Diagnostic measures also include additional research to differentiate the disease from acute eczema and erysipelas.

Therapy involves the systemic use of antihistamines and multivitamins, as well as antibiotics. If the doctor considers it necessary, he prescribes immunocorrective treatment.

The ear canal is also treated with Burov's fluid, yellow mercury ointment, hormonal and antibacterial ointments, and antibiotic drops. If a lot of pus is released, the ear is washed with special solutions.

Treatment of otitis media

Very often, vasoconstrictor drops in the nose (yes, yes, in the nose) are used to reduce swelling of the mucous membrane of the Eustachian tube - these drugs (naphthyzin, galazolin, nazol, etc.), contraindicated for a common viral runny nose, become simply mandatory for suspicion of otitis.
Antiseptic solutions are injected locally (into the ear canal). Previously, a solution of boric acid was often used for this purpose, and it is still used in our country, although in the rest of the world more modern and more active preparations are used. Sometimes, for severe pain in the ear, drops that cause anesthesia are used, and anti-inflammatory hormones are often used. There are now a great many medications for instillation into the ear, for example, Sofradex, Otipax, Otinum, Garazon and others.

Antibacterial drugs (antibiotics, sulfonamides, etc.) play a special role in the treatment of otitis media. Their use has a number of features - the medicine should not only act on the bacteria that cause otitis media, but also penetrate well into the tympanic cavity.

The listed methods of therapy should in no case be considered as a guide to action. It should be remembered that with proper and timely treatment, acute otitis media goes away quite quickly and almost never ends in hearing loss. Delay in starting treatment, “folk amateur activities” (from applying heating pads to dropping urine into the ear) are fraught with dire consequences - at best, otitis media becomes chronic, at worst - severe complications from complete hearing loss to purulent meningitis are possible.

Read also Leptospirosis - symptoms, causes and treatment of leptospirosis

You should not be too upset when there is suppuration from the ear - at the site of a rupture of the eardrum, with proper treatment, a small scar quickly forms, which in the future almost never leads to hearing impairment.

The sequence of actions at the first signs of otitis or if otitis is suspected is immediate consultation with an otolaryngologist. If this is not possible (it is far from a doctor), you can independently use vasoconstrictor drops in the nose, for example naphthyzin; it is optimal to instill otinum into the ear, which, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, can also dissolve earwax. It is highly desirable that the ear be kept warm (dry heat - cotton wool, plastic wrap, scarf or cap), but just do not use hot heating pads. These activities will prevent you from wasting the time needed to get to the doctor.

Which doctor should I contact for otitis media?

• Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Be healthy!

How is acute otitis of the middle ear and auditory labyrinth treated in adults?

Antibiotics

Otitis media is usually treated with antibacterial drugs. But the treatment of otitis media in adults is slightly different from the treatment of a childhood disease - the rate of spontaneous recovery from otitis media in an adult is more than 90 percent, which practically negates the need for the use of antibiotics. But the remaining 10 percent have very serious consequences, so if after the first two days of the disease there is no improvement, then antibiotics are prescribed.

Antibiotics should be prescribed by a qualified physician, as this class of drugs is extremely dangerous due to side effects. However, mortality from complications of otitis reaches 28,000 people per year, so, as a rule, treatment is justified. Antibiotics are usually prescribed in tablet form, but if the patient cannot take a tablet, injections are used.

Otitis media

In this case, inflammation develops in the middle ear. This is the space that is located between the eardrum and the inner ear.

The cause of the development of otitis media (ICD-10 code - H65) is infection. In 65% of cases, the causative agent is streptococcal infection. The disease can also be caused by staphylococci and pneumococci. Much less common are mushrooms, proteus and diphtheria bacillus.

With weakened immunity, infectious agents penetrate through the Eustachian tube into the tympanic cavity. The provoking factor may be laryngitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, ozena, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, various tumors, previous surgical interventions, etc.

The disease develops in three stages – pre-perforative, perforative and reparative. Each manifests itself with its own symptoms. But it usually begins with severe, sudden pain in the ear, loss of appetite, the appearance of noise and congestion, as well as deterioration of hearing. The temperature also rises, chills, general weakness, weakness and fatigue occur.

How not to get infected?

To prevent the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the ear, care should be taken to comply with the necessary preventive measures. Regardless of whether a specific form of ENT disease is transmitted by contact or airborne droplets, it is advisable to follow the following recommendations from doctors to strengthen immune defense:

1. in the spring-autumn period, use vitamin complexes and immunostimulants to strengthen the immune system;
2. Avoid constant penetration of water into the ear canal while bathing;
3. during the cold season, wear hats to prevent hypothermia;
4. if a cold occurs, immediately stop the inflammation to prevent complications;
5. Include foods rich in vitamins and essential microelements in your daily diet.

Compliance with the above rules helps to increase the body's reactivity, which prevents the development of opportunistic viruses and microbes that provoke inflammation of the ENT organs.

Diagnosis and treatment

While talking about whether otitis media is contagious to others, what are the causes of its occurrence and how it manifests itself, it is necessary to talk about the principles of the examination. To establish a diagnosis, the patient's complaints are sufficient. Otitis media develops quickly, suddenly and manifests itself with specific symptoms.

But otoscopy and myrootoscopy are also mandatory. After clinical tests, an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and moderate leukocytosis is detected.

This disease is treated on an outpatient basis. If complications arise, the patient is hospitalized. To relieve pain, ear drops with anesthetics are used. After this, it is advisable to close the ear canal with cotton wool lubricated with Vaseline.

Swelling is well relieved by antihistamines and vasoconstrictor drops - “Xylometazoline”, “Tetrizoline”, “Naphazoline”, “Oxymetazoline”.

For the purpose of general therapy, the use of Ibufen or Diclofenac is prescribed. Antibiotics are indicated for fever and severe pain. Cephruxin, Spiramycin and Amoxicillin help well.

First aid for otitis media

Before a mandatory visit to an otolaryngologist, when you identify the first symptoms, carry out several first aid measures. Treatments should not involve ear drops as you cannot be sure the eardrum is intact. If it is deformed, instillation can cause irreparable harm; a doctor can clarify the condition using an otoscope. Recommended first aid actions:

• take antipyretic and painkillers, if necessary (ibuprofen, paracetamol);
• instill nasal drops that have a vasoconstrictor effect (relieves swelling of the Eustachian tube, reduces pain);
• in the absence of fever or purulent discharge, use a warm compress, which is adjusted along the contour of the ear.

A qualified specialist, after examination and diagnosis, may prescribe antibacterial medications. Ear drops and rinsing (if necessary) are also prescribed. The complex includes vitamins and physiotherapeutic procedures (light and vibration treatment). The most common drugs for the treatment of otitis media:

Chronic form

We should tell you a little about exudative otitis in a child. This is a chronic disease that most often affects children aged 2 to 5 years. Lasts over 8 weeks.

The cause is obstruction of the Eustachian tube. This disease is caused by diseases that interfere with the flow of secretions from the nose. This could be sinusitis, scleroma, adenoiditis, trauma, allergic rhinitis, pharyngeal tumor, ARVI, laryngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, aerootitis, etc.

Symptoms are usually the same as otitis media. Is this disease contagious or not to others? Not at all, moreover, in young children it is even asymptomatic. Parents notice the disease when they realize that the baby’s hearing has deteriorated (asks to increase the volume of the cartoon, does not hear calls, etc.). The absence of complaints significantly complicates diagnosis.

The answer to the question whether otitis media is contagious for a child or not lies in the reasons for its occurrence.

The first question that arises for most people who are surrounded by a sick person is: how great is the danger of getting infected from him? This also applies to ear diseases.

Is it necessary to quarantine at home, moving the sick person into a separate room, allocating dishes and other personal items? The answer to the question whether otitis media is contagious or not depends primarily on the type of otitis media and the reasons that caused it.

Ear pain is usually the result of inflammation. The concept of otitis itself means inflammation of one of the parts of the ear . In this case, the following types of otitis :

• outer,
• average,
• interior.

They differ both in the location of inflammation and in the causes of its occurrence. Not all of them are equally contagious, and, accordingly, precautions when caring for the patient may differ significantly from each other.

Otitis externa

Otitis externa is called dermatitis of the auricle and inflammation of the external ear canal. It is characterized by severe itching, pain and burning in the area of ​​the auricle, as well as the formation of bubbles with liquid, rashes, wounds on it, often weeping or covered with crusts and peeling. Ear dermatitis often occurs in children of different ages.

The cause of inflammation of the outer ear can be allergic reactions, contact with chemicals, metabolic disorders of the body, reduced immunity, general intoxication of the body, as well as hypothermia.

If the skin of the ear is damaged, especially when scratching, there is a risk of secondary infection with pathogenic bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci), which leads to further aggravation of inflammation.

The danger of this disease is its advancement into the ear canal and transition to inflammation of the middle ear. In this case, irreversible hearing impairment, including deafness, can occur.

Sometimes otitis externa remains without proper treatment for quite a long time if the patient, especially a child, does not complain until pus begins to discharge from the ear canal. This indicates that an infection has occurred.

At this moment, otitis externa becomes contagious to others, primarily to everyone who has close household contact with the patient.

It is necessary to provide the patient with separate bed linen and towels, which should be washed in hot water and be sure to iron.

Otitis media

Otitis media is the most well-known ear disease. Actually, it is inflammation of the middle ear that is commonly called otitis media. It often occurs not as an independent disease, but as a consequence of another respiratory infection - ARVI, influenza, sore throat, tonsillitis, sinusitis.

Very often, inflammation of the middle ear occurs as a result of hypothermia, when a weakened body is unable to cope with pathogens that have entered the ear cavity.

In the case of inflammation of the middle ear, the infection primarily affects the tympanic cavity, which is almost hermetically sealed from contact with the outside world.

It is connected to the nasopharynx by the Eustachian tube, through which pathogens often enter the ear.

Inflammation of the middle ear is characterized by severe ear pain and headaches , fever, lethargy, restlessness, and discharge from the ear canal. Often the child cannot explain what exactly is hurting him, but you should be wary if he touches his ear or tries to stick his finger into the ear canal.

Otitis media is usually not contagious on its own. Since it, however, is often an accompanying disease with other infections, sometimes a certain amount of isolation may be useful in avoiding infection with influenza or other types of colds.

The development of ear inflammation is facilitated by general hypothermia, lack of headwear, and drafts. Very often it occurs in young children, since the child’s Eustachian tube is not yet sufficiently developed.

The main way to prevent ear inflammation is in this case a general strengthening of the immune system and thorough treatment of all types of runny noses, since it is the entry of mucous secretions from the nose that often leads to problems with the ears.

Internal otitis

This disease is called labyrinthitis , since it affects the inner ear, in which the bony and membranous labyrinths are located.

The main symptom of labyrinthitis is imbalance and dizziness .

Inflammation of the inner ear can be caused by otitis media, tuberculosis of the middle ear, trauma, or, rarely, bacterial and viral colds.

Symptoms usually appear 1–1.5 weeks after the infection. Dizziness can be very severe, including attacks of associated nausea and vomiting. Sometimes there are imbalances (nystagmus), as well as tinnitus and hearing loss. If purulent inflammation occurs, labyrinthitis can lead to hearing loss.

With timely detection and adequate treatment, labyrinthitis usually goes away without a trace, although sometimes it takes several weeks for the symptoms to completely disappear . This type of otitis media is not considered contagious.

What are the causes of otitis media?

Despite the fact that otitis media differ from each other in their causes, there are several factors that can lead to them. By taking care of their prevention, it is possible to avoid the development of inflammation.

Ear inflammation can be caused by:

• hypothermia
• weak immunity
• respiratory diseases
• neglect of treatment at the onset of otitis media

By taking care of the general condition of the body, you can avoid such unpleasant consequences as ear inflammation.

Complications, diagnosis and therapy

If the exudative disease is not treated in time, it can lead to adhesive otitis media. This is fraught with perforation of the eardrum, mastoiditis, and cholesteatoma. And if otitis media occurs in a very young child, the development of speech function may be disrupted. A delay in psychoemotional development is possible.

It is sometimes recommended to be examined by an otolaryngologist, because the course is asymptomatic, and late detection leads to serious consequences. Diagnosis involves otoscopy, examination of the patency of the auditory tube and hearing, as well as microotoscopy.

Treatment is aimed at eliminating disorders that interfere with the patency of the Eustachian tube. It is also important to eliminate inflammation, restore hearing and prevent sclerotic changes. If opportunities are missed or conservative therapy does not produce results, surgical treatment is indicated.

Prevention of otitis

The main goal of preventing otitis in adults is to prevent the Eustachian tube from becoming blocked by thick mucus. This is not such a simple task. As a rule, acute rhinitis is accompanied by liquid discharge, but during treatment the mucus often becomes much thicker, stagnating in the nasopharynx.

In order to prevent the development of otitis caused by congestive purulent processes, it is necessary to promptly treat the corresponding ENT diseases - a common runny nose, sinusitis, or remove adenoids from the pharynx.

What to do to prevent complications of ENT diseases in the form of otitis media:

• Use vasoconstrictor drugs in the nose to reduce swelling of the mucous membrane;
• Maintain fluid balance in the body, drink more water;
• Take antipyretic drugs in a timely manner at very high temperatures, avoiding maintaining them;
• Maintain the air temperature in the living room between 18 and 20 °C Celsius;
• Maintain humidity in the room, ventilate and regularly do wet cleaning;
• Be careful when blowing your nose - in no case overdo it, as this causes blockage of the auditory tubes and stagnation of infected mucus, but blow your nose in each nostril, pinching them separately.

But the most important prevention at the very first symptoms is timely consultation with a doctor. He will examine the eardrum and determine in which part of the ear the otitis media is located and whether purulent exudate has collected in the eardrum. You may need a blood test or other examination, based on the results of which the doctor will select the correct treatment and protect the patient from the terrible complications of otitis media.

Prevention methods

Based on the above, we can draw the following conclusions that will help you avoid getting sick:

1. Prevention of otitis media includes actions to support the immune system, taking vitamins, and taking care not to get colds. Of course, it sounds funny, but this is the most effective advice. Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, go for walks, do fitness, and run in the morning. Or, for example, use the exercises from the video course “Hatha Yoga for Beginners”, they are not so difficult in action, but do not allow the body to relax. Stay in bed less, keep your body in shape, protect yourself and your family from viruses. Drink preventive infusions, and generally drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day, do not smoke or abuse alcohol. Eat properly. Temper yourself in the morning, take a contrast shower.
2. In winter, wear winter clothes, in the fall - autumn clothes, in general, dress in accordance with the season, you don’t need to go without a hat in the fall, take care of your head, you only have one. Shoes should always be warm and made from natural materials; preferably, they will keep your feet from sweating and freezing.
3. If your immune system is weak, then even a fan and air conditioner can cause your ears to get cold. Sitting in the office or at home in the heat, do not create winter around you. The body quickly gets used to it, and you yourself will not feel how your body cools down and freezes. And the disease will not keep you waiting. As for the fan, you shouldn’t abuse it either. Coming from the street, warmed up, into a room where a fan is running, all you have to do is sit next to it, and if more air currents hit you, this can also end sadly. Therefore, the best way to cool down in the heat is natural, open the window and ventilate the room.
4. Don't open the car windows all the way, this is an easy way to catch a cold. And shelter from strong winds in any environment.

Sources

• https://lor.guru/zabolevaniya/adenoidy/otit/yavlyaetsya-otit-zaraznym-zabolevaniem-ili-net.html
• https://onsmeta.ru/peredaetsya-otit-detey/
• https://prootit.ru/polezno/zarazen-li-otit
• https://FB.ru/article/444921/otit-zarazen-ili-net-prichinyi-zabolevaniya-simptomyi-i-lechenie
• https://www.ayzdorov.ru/lechenie_otita_chto.php
• https://mediccare.ru/otit-simptomy-prichiny-vidy-lechenie-i-profilaktika-otita.html
• https://living-healthy.ru/zdorovie/kak-ne-zastudit-ushi.html

Internal otitis

It also has a viral or bacterial nature. As a rule, it is a complication of meningitis or otitis media.

A characteristic symptom is a sudden attack of dizziness that occurs 1-2 weeks after the infection occurs. Sometimes it is accompanied by vomiting or nausea.

The disease is serious, and it is important to differentiate it from those diseases that affect the brain. To rule out the possibility of a stroke or tumor, CT and MRI are performed. Electronystagmography and audiometry may be prescribed.

Nausea and vomiting are eliminated with Metoclopramide and antihistamines. The best products are Diphenhydramine, Chloroliramine and Mebhydrolin.

Scopolamine patches are also used. Inflammation can be reduced with the help of steroids (Methylprednisolone) as well as sedatives (Diazepam and Lorazepam).

Otitis media - contagious or not

Otitis media is considered one of the most common diseases. This pathology is often diagnosed in children aged 1 to 10 years. This phenomenon is associated with a short auditory tube and an underdeveloped immune system. But the disease also occurs in adults. This raises the question of whether otitis media is contagious and how the disease is transmitted.

How to recognize otitis media

Symptoms of inflammation in the ear canal do not depend on the route of infection. The whole process begins with the development of external otitis. The pus does not affect the eardrum. In some cases, the disease occurs in the form of a boil.

The main signs of the disease include:

• itching in the ear canal;
• feeling of fullness in the ear;
• slight increase in temperature values;
• ear congestion;
• peeling of the skin and the formation of yellowish crusts.

Otitis can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by using common objects or touching.

In the absence of timely treatment, other forms of the disease develop. They are not contagious, so isolation of the patient from society is not required.

Otitis media and external otitis is accompanied by:

• sharp and painful pain in the ear;
• feeling of heaviness in the head;
• an increase in temperature values ​​to 38-39 degrees;
• nausea and vomiting;
• separation of fluid from the ear canal;
• sleep and appetite disturbances;
• tinnitus.

If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo a course of treatment.

Itching in the ear canal.

Possible complications

If you start the disease, then adverse consequences cannot be avoided. A common complication is chronic otitis media. The disease will manifest itself every time the body is exposed to various factors. Periods of exacerbation are observed in spring and autumn during sudden temperature changes.

There is a possibility of developing other complications such as:

• rupture of the eardrum;
• choleostomy. There is a proliferation of tissue structures in the ear, against the background of which hearing deteriorates;
• destruction of the auditory ossicles in the middle part of the ear canal;
• mastoiditis. The inflammatory process affects the process of the temporal bone;
• hearing impairment and hearing loss.

All complications are considered dangerous and can lead to degenerative changes. In severe cases, the patient undergoes surgery.

Rupture of the eardrum.

What to do to avoid getting infected with otitis media

If an adult or child develops otitis externa, it is necessary to prevent infection of loved ones and surrounding people. To do this, you should follow some recommendations:

1. Isolate the patient from others. Doctors advise giving him a separate room and avoiding contact.
2. Each family member should have their own separate towel.
3. Change bedding frequently. It is recommended to boil dirty items or iron them after washing using a hot iron.
4. Do not wear other people's hats, jewelry or headphones.
5. When treating the ear, you must use sterile gloves.
6. After use, ear sticks and cotton pads are disposed of.
7. Don't forget about hygiene measures. You need to clean your ears once a week using special products or hydrogen peroxide. It is strictly forbidden to use cotton swabs in such cases. This will lead to blockage of the ear canal.
8. In spring and autumn, you should take care of strengthening your immune system. To do this you need to walk regularly. In windy and cool weather, hats or scarves are worn. Temper the body in various ways: dousing, walking on grass or pebbles, contrast showers. Take vitamin complexes.
9. Eat properly. Fried, fatty and spicy foods, fast foods and semi-finished products are excluded from the diet. Preference is given to fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, and dairy products.

If you follow these rules, you will be able to avoid ear problems and improve your immunity. It is better to talk to your doctor about the contagiousness of otitis media.

Whether otitis is contagious or not, whether otitis is transmitted is discussed in the video.

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Is it possible to get otitis media from someone else? First aid

Otitis media is a common disease that affects various parts of the hearing organs; it can be chronic or acute, with or without purulent discharge, but is always accompanied by tissue inflammation.

Is otitis media contagious?

Otitis media is not transmitted by a sick person, animal or other living creature. The infection enters the ear cavity from other organs or develops against the background of other diseases (sinusitis, angina). To protect your health, you can limit your contact with people who have colds or other infectious diseases that cause ear infections.

This disease can occur with normal exposure to cold, so avoid possible risks, take preventative measures and generally pay more attention to hats and wardrobe. Otitis media can be caused by a number of harmful microorganisms - streptococci, staphylococci and moraxel.

It is believed that otitis media can be transmitted due to its infectious etiology. The inflammatory process develops in the middle of the cavity, enclosed in a sealed eardrum.

There is also external otitis, in which inflammation does not occur in an isolated space. Most often, this form of the disease occurs due to hypothermia, skin damage, and poor personal hygiene. The main symptoms are fever, sometimes purulent discharge and peeling of the skin on the ear.

Otitis externa actively develops by penetration into the tissue layer of harmful microorganisms present on the skin of every person.

The risk increases significantly due to microcracks, scratches and other damage to the upper sphere of the epithelium.

A certain conclusion can be drawn from this - there is a risk of infection (from contact with headphones, pillows or hats), but it is so insignificant compared to the main causes that it is not taken into account.

First aid for otitis media

Before you see a doctor for ear, nose, and throat problems, you should take some first aid measures when symptoms first appear. The procedures should not involve shedding the ear, as you cannot be sure that the eardrum is intact. If deformed, the eardrum can cause irreparable damage. The condition can be determined by a doctor using an otoscope. Recommended first aid measures:

• if necessary, take antipyretic and painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol);
• drops are instilled into the nose with a vasoconstrictor effect (relieves swelling of the eustachian tube, relieves pain);
• in the absence of fever or purulent discharge, a warming compress is used, which is adjusted along the contour of the ear.