What antibiotics for Eustachian tube dysfunction?

What antibiotics for Eustachian tube dysfunction?

In the United States, acute otitis media (AOM) is typically treated with antibiotics. Treatment with amoxicillin for 10 days is the initial antibiotic therapy, or Bactrim is substituted if the patient is allergic to penicillin. In Europe, a more conservative approach to treating acute otitis media (AOM) is used.

What is the function of the Eustachian tube?

This air-containing space is maintained by the Eustachian tube, which opens intermittently to equalize the intratympanic air pressure with the pressure in the external auditory canal. It also removes secretion and epithelial debris from the middle ear by ciliary motion and gravity.

How does otitis media look like?

The classic findings of acute otitis media, such as fever and earache, are sometimes absent even in cases confirmed by tympanocentesis. A bulging, red, immobile tympanic membrane is highly associated with acute otitis media. However, many physicians rely on redness of the eardrum as the main diagnostic clue.

What can otitis media lead to?

Although the hearing loss caused by otitis media is usually temporary, untreated otitis media may lead to permanent hearing impairment. Persistent fluid in the middle ear and chronic otitis media can reduce a child’s hearing at a time that is critical for speech and language development.

What happens if the eustachian tube is damaged?

Eustachian tube dysfunction may occur when the mucosal lining of the tube is swollen, or does not open or close properly. If the tube is dysfunctional, symptoms such as muffled hearing, pain, tinnitus, reduced hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear or problems with balance may occur.

What is tympanic membrane perforation?

Tympanic membrane perforation is when there is a tear in the tympanic membrane leading to a connection between the external auditory canal and the middle ear. This can be caused by infection, trauma, or rapid changes in pressure leading to sudden otalgia, otorrhea, tinnitus, and vertigo.

What are the treatment options for TM perforations of the ear?

Treatment is primarily supportive, as TM perforations generally heal spontaneously. The ear should be kept dry as much as possible since it can predispose to infection if the ear is wet. 

What is a ruptured eardrum?

A ruptured (perforated) eardrum prevents the proper transmission of sound waves to the middle ear and leaves the middle ear vulnerable to infectious agents, water and other foreign substances. A ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates your ear canal from your middle ear (eardrum).

When is surgery indicated for perforated Eustachian tube (EUT) perforation?

If perforations are located in the posterosuperior quadrant, caused by penetrating trauma, or has been present for less than two months, surgery would be indicated, and the patient should be referred to otolaryngology, as these are associated with poor routine healing.[13]