Chronic otitis media due to perforation of the tympanic membrane

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Nguyen Nam Phong - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.

Middle ear infection is a common disease in both children and adults, although it is not dangerous, but if not properly examined, it can lead to dangerous complications later. There are many causes of otitis media, one of which is perforation of the eardrum, which can have serious consequences.

Chronic otitis media is a persistent purulent discharge lasting more than 6 weeks, purulent drainage through the perforation of the tympanic membrane. Common symptoms include painless purulent discharge with decreased hearing followed by other complications such as the development of ear polyps, cholesteatoma, and infections. Chronic otitis media is classified into 2 types:
Chronic otitis media with purulent pus: mucosal damage, overgrowth of mucous glands and increased secretions produce non-rotten purulent mucus. Symptoms include purulent discharge from the ear, clear or yellow pus extending into fibers and increasing with each episode of rhinitis, pharyngitis, and conductive deafness. Chronic purulent otitis media: Complications are common because of bone lesions and cholesteatoma. Common manifestations include purulent discharge, thick or thin pus, yellow or green clots, sometimes with blood, stench, severe conductive hearing loss, possibly mixed hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, and dizziness.

Of the causes of eardrum perforation, otitis media is the most common cause, especially in children. When an infection occurs, fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, creating pressure, which can cause a perforation of the eardrum. The eardrum can be completely cured if diagnosed early and treated promptly. However, if left untreated for a long time, this condition can lead to some dangerous complications for human health such as:
Hearing loss: Hearing loss or deafness due to perforation of the eardrum makes the patient difficult. Difficulty in daily life, causing low self-esteem, inferiority Cholesteatoma: A cyst in the middle ear composed of normal skin cells in the ear canal and debris that provides a breeding ground for bacteria and contains proteins that damage the bones of the middle ear causing hearing loss, hearing loss, and difficulty recovering. dress

Otitis media is a common disease in young children because the eustachian tube in children is short, narrow, and horizontal compared to adults. If the disease recurs and is not treated many times, when growing up, there will be relapses and chronic diseases. Causes of otitis media are usually caused by:
Infections, allergies, environmental factors: especially common in the group of children going to kindergartens, who are more prone to respiratory infections, otitis media than the group of children who are cared for at home. Leaves increase the incidence of otitis media Weather: winter, autumn, spring the rate of patients with otitis media increases the most Children who are not breastfed Children Pathology: Cleft palate, immunodeficiency, enlarged VA To prevent otitis media, it is necessary to eliminate risk factors for acute otitis media, breastfeed infants, and receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. If there is perforation of the tympanic membrane, it is important to have regular check-ups and plan surgery to patch the tympanic membrane or insert a eustachian tube to prevent recurrence of otitis media.