Allergic otitis is one of the most troublesome symptoms of allergies. This type of condition should be treated as soon as possible because the consequence of otitis is clogged ears, which can lead to serious bacterial ear infections. Find out what the symptoms of allergic otitis are and how they are being treated.

Allergic otitisis an extremely troublesome ailment accompanying allergies. It usually occurs in children (especially infants, slightly less in older children). However, it can also tease adults. It is recurrent and in many allergy sufferers its course depends on the season.

Contents:

  1. Allergic otitis - causes
  2. Allergic otitis - symptoms
  3. Allergic otitis - diagnosis
  4. Allergic otitis treatment

Allergic otitis - causes

The immediate cause of allergic otitis is allergy.

The middle ear is a small space filled with air and a little serous fluid that flows through the so-called Eustachian duct - a small canal located between the top of the throat and the inner ear.

In the middle ear there are also mast cells, which, under the influence of allergens, release the hidden histamine. This is the substance that causes the Eustachian tube to become swollen.

Lack of equilibrium pressure in the proboscis and its obstruction cause the serous fluid, instead of flowing freely through the ear cavity, to clog it.

As a consequence, otitis occurs, which is manifested by acute earache and sudden deterioration of hearing.

Clogged ears are also a great place for bacteria to grow and contribute to serious ear infections.

Allergic otitis - symptoms

The symptoms of allergic otitis are similar to those of acute otitis media. Babies are restless, cry, have trouble falling asleep, and sometimes have diarrhea. Older children and adults complain of severe earache, they also experience a sudden deterioration in hearing and a feeling of ringing in the ears.

It is worth knowing, however, that -allergic otitis is usually not accompanied by increased ear infectiontemperature or fever - this occurs when a bacterial or viral infection is combined with allergic otitis.

Inflammation is a consequence of allergies, therefore allergic symptoms may occur with allergic otitis, including food allergy symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea.

Symptoms of allergic otitis are also accompanied by symptoms of respiratory system allergies (most often allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, shortness of breath, pneumonia or laryngitis) and skin allergy symptoms, e.g. atopic dermatitis.

Allergic otitis - diagnosis

Any earache, especially in a child, is an indication to see a doctor who will assess whether the disease is viral, bacterial or allergic, and the appearance and condition of the eardrum. If your child has a known allergy, bring your allergy test results with you to your appointment.

Allergic otitis treatment

Allergic otitiscan be treated in two ways:

  • symptomatic - treatment consists of administering antihistamines, which will help reduce the bothersome symptoms.
  • causal - in this case, the basis of treatment is to remove allergens from the patient's surroundings, which is not always easy. In the case of food allergy, careful attention should be paid to the diet, in the case of inhalation allergy, it is worth considering the purchase of an air purifier for allergy sufferers and the use of immunotherapy.

Read also: Otitis media - causes, symptoms, treatment

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Allergies