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TurkishThe inner ear is an important structure that performs balance and hearing tasks, so inflammation in this structure is dangerous as it causes various body functions to be affected. These infections are defined as "otitis interna" in medicine and are sometimes referred to as "labyrinthitis". It usually shows symptoms similar to headache and earache, and most cases resolve within 1-3 weeks on average.
Symptoms of Inner Ear Infections
Common symptoms of inner ear infections are listed as follows:
- Vertigo (dizziness)
- Feeling unstable
- Difficulty standing upright and walking
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ear pain
- Head, jaw, and palate pain
- Hearing loss
- Nausea
- Ear discharge
The pain associated with inner ear infections is usually mild but can be excruciating at times. Other symptoms can also start suddenly and tend to worsen during the day, usually from the moment of awakening. In most cases, the symptoms resolve in a few days and it can take 2 to 6 weeks for the patient to recover.
Why do Inner Ear Infections Occur?
Although viruses are rarely the cause of inner ear infections, the exact reason they arise is still up for debate. Various factors and progressive middle ear infections can also be effective in the development of inner ear infections. Especially external ear or middle ear infections that progress to the inner ear without treatment are important risk factors.
If these infections are not treated in a timely manner, they can spread to the inner ear, harming vital tissues and leading to risky outcomes.
How are Inner Ear Infections Treated?
It is possible to treat problems such as balance or hearing loss due to inner ear infections without leaving permanent damage with effective treatment practices. Therefore, the treatment of inner ear infections can be carried out successfully. In addition, one of the most important points in treatment is to make a diagnosis and follow the symptoms in the patient. In most cases, the symptoms tend to resolve, but in some cases, pain medication may be prescribed. Most of these types of ear infections do not improve with antibiotic treatment, but different drug treatments can be applied depending on the patient's complaints.
- Corticosteroids are preferred in patients with severe pain and symptoms and are recommended depending on the reaction. Although the pressure caused by the inflammatory reaction is relieved with these drugs, the infection is not completely cured.
- Antihistamines are preferred to alleviate the symptoms in the patient. It usually aims to improve quality of life by eliminating nausea and vertigo problems.
- Antibiotics are not the most preferred option for the treatment of the inner ear, it can be used in cases where bacterial infection is observed.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is considered in case of balance disorders due to inflammation of the inner ear. The aim of this physical therapy is to improve body balance and alleviate dizziness. In some cases, it is also possible to eliminate dizziness completely. A personalized exercise program is planned with expert advice and repeated every other day. As a result, the patient's quality of life is restored.
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