Inflammation of the Eustachian tube is often the result of colds, rhinitis and paranasal sinuses, and allergic swelling of the nasopharynx mucosa. What are the symptoms of Eustachian tube inflammation? How long does treatment take? Are there any home remedies for inflammation of the Eustachian tube?

Inflammation of the Eustachian tube (Eustachian tube)is an inflammation of the duct connecting the nasopharynx with the tympanic cavity. The Eustachian tube is responsible for proper ventilation and drainage of the middle ear. Physiologically, it opens during swallowing, sneezing and yawning - then it enables the delivery of the right amount of air to the tympanic cavity. It is through her that microbes can move from the throat towards the middle ear.Inflammation of the Eustachian tubecauses swelling of the tissues, closure of the lumen, negative pressure in the tympanic cavity and pulling the eardrum towards it.

Contents:

  1. Eustachian tube inflammation: causes
  2. Eustachian tube inflammation: symptoms
  3. Eustachian tube inflammation: diagnosis
  4. Eustachian tube inflammation: treatment
  5. Eustachian tube inflammation: prognosis
  6. Eustachian tube inflammation: complications

Eustachian tube inflammation: causes

Inflammation of the Eustachian tubeis much more common in children than in adults, because the probes are shorter and wider. So it is easier to get infections from the nasopharynx, which children often get sick. It can also be caused by impaired nasal breathing, which is common in people with

  • curvature of the septum of the nose
  • nasal polyps
  • a tumor in the nasopharynx
  • in children with enlarged adenoid

Eustachian tube inflammation: symptoms

A patient with Eustachian tube inflammation usually does not have ear pain. The dominant symptoms of the disease are:

  • of oppression
  • fullness
  • overflowing in the ear
  • severe hearing loss

Many patients report that they hear murmurs and crackles when yawning, swallowing or sneezing. Downsymptoms associated with inflammation include fever, chills, and decreased appetite.

Eustachian tube inflammation: diagnosis

Inflammation of the Eustachian tube is diagnosed by a doctor on the basis of symptoms and a physical examination of the ear (otoscopic examination). It involves viewing the eardrum with the help of a special ear speculum, i.e. an otoscope. To assess the patency of the Eustachian tube, a so-called the Valsalva maneuver, which involves drawing air into the lungs, closing the mouth, pinching the wings of the nose and trying to blow air through the nose.

Eustachian tube inflammation: treatment

The purpose of treating inflammation of the Eustachian tube is:

  • restoring its patency
  • enabling proper ventilation of the tympanic cavity
  • reduction of tissue congestion and swelling

Pharmacological treatment includes:

  • anti-inflammatory drugs
  • antipyretic drugs
  • decongestant nasal drops
  • vasoconstrictor drugs
  • antihistamines

Antibiotic therapy is started only when the symptoms do not improve despite the treatment, or when they get worse. There is then a risk of disease progression to acute otitis media or acute nasopharyngitis.

In some cases, the ENT doctor may decide to undergo surgical treatment and puncture the tympanic cavity by puncturing the tympanic membrane with a thin needle in order to evacuate the accumulated fluid and collect it for laboratory tests. If an enlarged pharyngeal tonsil is the cause of recurrent inflammation of the Eustachian tube, surgical removal (adenoidectomy) is recommended. Failure to undergo treatment may lead to permanent, irreversible hearing impairment.

Eustachian tube inflammation: prognosis

The prognosis for Eustachian tube inflammation is usually favorable and symptoms resolve quickly with treatment.

Eustachian tube inflammation: complications

Inflammation of the Eustachian tube can lead to insufficient ventilation of the tympanic cavity. The remaining air in it is reabsorbed, the pressure inside it drops and the mucosa lining it becomes irritated. This can result in retraction of the eardrum, otitis media, exudate, transudate, mucus or pus in the eardrum, and hearing impairment.

Category:

ENT