Inflammation of the inner ear. Everything you need to know
The ear is an organ to which we usually pay little attention. It’s only when pain or hearing problems occur that we begin to wonder if we’re sure we’re taking sufficient care of it. Acute inflammation of the inner ear usually manifests itself as nausea, vomiting or dizziness. These unusual symptoms can make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.
How is the human ear constructed?
In order to understand exactly what otitis externa is, it is necessary to familiarize ourselves with the exact structure of our ears. The human ear consists of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Interestingly, the outer ear is found only in mammals. The outer and middle ear are responsible for hearing, while the inner ear contains elements responsible for balance.
The inner ear is by far the most complex organ of hearing. It contains the bony falx and the membranous falx, which is filled with fluid. In addition, the part of the erroneus adjacent to the middle ear is the vestibule. It connects to the cochlea and the semicircular canals. These canals are responsible for registering changes in body position, and are also the organ of the sense of balance.
The inner ear consists of:
- cochlea;
- three semicircular canals;
- the auditory nerve.
Inflammation of the inner ear – symptoms
Since the inner ear is responsible for the sense of balance, pathologies related to this element give symptoms such as imbalance, headaches, nystagmus or dizziness. Acute otitis externa is a serious and quite dangerous condition. It is also referred to as misophthalmitis. It involves the development of inflammation that involves: the vestibule, cochlea and the three semicircular canals. The cause of the disease is usually the transfer of inflammation from the middle ear to the inner ear. However, this is not the only reason.
The reason for inflammation of the inner ear can be:
- a complication of meningitis;
- a complication of otitis media;
- injury to the temporal bone;
- chronic otitis media;
- complications of surgery.
Acute otitis externa can also occur as a result of the following diseases: rubella, measles, mumps, influenza, hemiplegia, chickenpox.
How to treat otitis internus?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should first of all reach for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. When we notice oozing of fluid from the ear, then it is necessary to use an antibiotic. To do this, you should immediately go to the doctor, who will recommend the appropriate therapy. Diagnosis of otitis media is possible during otoscopy.
