Complications of chronic purulent otitis media

The article was written by MSc Nguyen Vinh Toan - Ear - Nose - Throat Doctor, Interspecialty Department - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Chronic purulent otitis media is considered an inflammation of the middle ear lasting more than 6 weeks, with pus draining from the middle ear. Chronic otitis media originates from prolonged inflammation of the middle ear mucosa, leading to edema and ulceration of the mucosa, destruction of the epithelial layer, and finally the formation of granulation tissues and polyps in the middle ear, which can destroy the structure. bones and lead to dangerous complications.

1.1 Affects Hearing Mild hearing loss is usually reversible once the infection passes, but repeated infections can lead to severe hearing loss if the tympanic membrane or ossicles are severely damaged.
1.2 Language delay Hearing loss affects language development leading to reduced social and academic skills.
1.3 Spread of infection An untreated infection will lead to the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and adjacent very important structures, causing very dangerous complications, even life-threatening complications. may be life-threatening.
1.3.1 Infection of the temporal bone such as: mastoiditis, osteitis, facial paralysis, labyrinthitis 1.3.2 Intracranial complications + Epidural complications: Epidural abscess, meningitis, lateral phlebitis
+ Intradural complications: Subdural abscess, brain abscess, ear hydrocephalus

Common bacteria when cultured in prolonged otitis media are blue pus bacilli (48-90%), staphylococcus aureus (15-30%), Klebsiella (10-21%), Proteus: 10-15% . These are very difficult bacteria to treat, resistant to many antibiotics. Especially with blue pus bacilli, when in contact with the middle ear mucosa, they will secrete enzymes such as Protease, lipopolysaccharide and some other enzymes to prevent the immune mechanism, tissue damage caused by bacteria and enzymes that will cause damage. Furthermore, tissues, causing necrosis and erosion of bones leading to complications In chronic otitis media many patients also experience a fungal infection associated with the formation of Biofilms: It is a collection of microorganisms attached to the otitis media. a surface forming a film covering the surface, the bacteria in biofloc bind together tightly, forming a stable structure that prevents the action of antibiotics.

Otitis media often originates from nasopharyngitis, measures to prevent otitis media also include preventing nasopharyngitis such as teaching children to wash their hands regularly, not to share food and drink, when sneezing. must cover hands, isolate children when epidemics occur:
Tobacco-free environment Breastfeeding for at least 6 months, breast milk contains antibodies to fight infections Bottle-fed babies pay attention to suitable posture Adequate vaccines for children such as seasonal flu, pneumococcal... Good treatment and close monitoring of acute otitis media, timely measures to prevent repeated infections. When otitis media recurs depending on the stage, active treatment and close monitoring avoid complications such as: + Topical antibiotic drops
+ Ear hygiene
+ Control to avoid granulomatous tissue development Development
+ Systemic treatment
+ Surgery when medical treatment fails

Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
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Acute otitis media: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment Does your child have a sore throat, otitis media, hearing loss need urgent medical attention? Middle ear infections in children