subject: Homeopathic Approach For Otitis Media [print this page] INTRODUCTION: INTRODUCTION:
Acute otitis media results when pathogens from the nasopharynx are introduced into the inflammatory fluid collected in the middle ear e.g., by nose blowing during a upper respiratory tract infections.
PATHGENESIS:
The proliferation of these pathogens in this space leads to the development of the typical signs and symptoms of acute middle-ear infection. The diagnosis of acute otitis media requires the demonstration of fluid in the middle ear (with tympanic membrane immobility) and the accompanying signs or symptoms of local or systemic illness.
Etiology
Acute otitis media typically follows a viral URI.
The causative viruses most commonly
*RSV
*influenza virus
*rhinovirus
*enterovirus can themselves cause subsequent acute otitis media; more often, they predispose the patient to bacterial otitis media.
Studies have consistently found S. pneumoniae to be the most important bacterial cause, isolated in up to 35% of cases.
H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis are also common bacterial causes of acute otitis media, and concern is increasing about community strains of MRSA as an emerging etiologic agent.
Viruses, such as those mentioned above, have been recovered either alone or with bacteria in 17-40% of cases.
Clinical Manifestations
Fluid in the middle ear is typically demonstrated or confirmed with pneumatic otoscopy.
In the absence of fluid, the tympanic membrane moves visibly with the application of positive and negative pressure, but this movement is dampened when fluid is present.
With bacterial infection, the tympanic membrane can also be erythematous, bulging, or retracted and occasionally can spontaneously perforate.
The signs and symptoms accompanying infection can be local or systemic, including
*Otalgia
*otorrhea
*diminished hearing
*fever
*irritability.
*Erythema of the tympanic membrane is often evident but is nonspecific as it is frequently seen in association with inflammation of the upper respiratory mucosa e.g., during examination of young children.
Other signs and symptoms that are occasionally reported include
1.vertigo
2.nystagmus
3.tinnitus.
INVESTIGATIONS:
*Physical examination of the patient
*Complete blood picture
*Otoscopy
*Examination of the fluid for micro organisms
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH:
PULSATILLA:
This remedy exerts specific curative power in the ear affections
The ear is hot red and swollen and there are very severe darting and tearing pulsating pains which is worse at night
There is profuse discharge of yellowish green fluid from the ear
Deafness and feeling as if ears are stopped and something is being forced out.
There are also roaring noises synchronous with the pulse
Itching deep in the ear.
FERRUM PHOS:
This remedy is most useful one in ear affections ,suiting congestive and inflammatory stages of most troubles
It is most suitable to anemic subjects
Reliable remedy in acute ear ache and it has tinnitus
The pain is throbbing or sharp stiching and occurs in paroxysms
CHAMOMILLA:
It is almost specific in infantile ear ache
The pains are violent worse from warmth and the cheeks are red and the patient is restless , fretful
There is great hyperesthesia and much suffering
Patient is worse at night and from slightest cold
CAPSICUM:
There is rupture of the tympanic membrane
Great soreness of the mastoid portion of the temporal bone
Chronic suppurations of the ear with bursting head aches and chilliness
Ears are hot and pain goes to the throat and the drum is perforated
