According to Dr. Alexander Balakin, an otolaryngologist, the nasopharyngeal cavity is actually connected to the middle ear by a narrow 3.5-4 cm long auditory tube called the Eustachian tube in honor of the anatomist who described it in the 16th century. This tube is necessary to equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
He points out that in the case of nasopharyngitis, the mucous membrane swells and blocks the opening of the auditory tube, which leads to an imbalance in the pressure in the tube and the middle ear swells, inflammation develops and pain appears.
According to him, in this case the body temperature may rise, and this is an alarming sign. Therefore, otitis media must be treated by a doctor, so that serious complications do not occur. But the pain can be relieved even before seeing a doctor, by applying a piece of cotton or gauze soaked in boric alcohol (boric acid dissolved in alcohol), applying a compress, or taking an analgesic medication.
How do we prevent the development of otitis media?
The doctor indicates that it is necessary to reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx in order for breathing through the nose to become easier, and this consequently reduces the swelling at the opening of the auditory tube and improves the movement of air in it. That is, to prevent otitis media, nasal congestion must be prevented by using vasoconstrictive drops or sprays that reduce swelling, but these preparations must be used with caution to prevent addiction, so it is not recommended to use them for more than four days, and in special cases 7 days.
Source: aif.ru
#prevent #development #otitis #media #cold
2024-10-02 05:19:26
