Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube

Introduction:

Catarrha means the building up of mucus in the cavities of the body, like sinuses and facial cavities that drain into the nose. This condition causes blockage and difficulty in hearing and breathing. It is an unpleasant but long-lasting condition. This condition mainly affects the Eustachian tube. Build up of mucus and inflammation affects the ear. The conditions like serosal otitis and conductive hearing impairment are to be differentiated from catarrhal inflammation of the eustachian tube.

What Is Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

Catarrhal inflammation of the eustachian tube is a common condition that is not a grave disease of fall, winter, or spring. The Eustachian tube is a part of the outer ear that connects the tympanic cavity with the nasal cavity. This eustachian tube equalizes the pressure between the tympanic cavity and the outside.

What Causes Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

Catarrha is caused due to reaction of the immune system to infection and irritation. The lining of the nose and throat gets swollen and produces mucus. This can be started by

• Infections or cold.

• Due to allergic reactions to rhinitis.

• Nonallergic infection of the nose.

• Nasal polyps.

Catarrha in the ear (tubal phlegm) is due to inflammation that causes mucus generation that cannot be drained. The causes of it include;

• Otitis media or due to infection of the airway.

• Due to birth defects.

• Infections occur due to bacteria.

• Air pollution and smoking habits.

When mucosa of the middle ear is infected, it is determined that phlegm is present in the ear cavity. The mucus is situated completely at the chest of the eardrum. It is less frequent in summer but more common in winter. The most common bacterias are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

What Are the Symptoms of Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

Symptoms of catarrhal inflammation of the eustachian tube include;

• Experience the fullness of the ear.

• Decreased hearing capacity.

• Hearing abnormal sounds of one’s voice.

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

• Low-intensity pain.

• Dizziness.

Decreased hearing capacity may be resolved with the reduction in inflammation. If the infection persists for a long time and if the infection reaches the inner ear, it may result in permanent damage to hearing.

What Is the Pathogenesis of Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

This condition may arise when the eustachian tube does not open during swallowing. This can occur under the following conditions;

• Incompetence of the muscle responsible for the opening of the eustachian tube.

• The mucus membrane of the eustachian tube gets swollen due to infection of the areas like the maxilla and pharynx.

• When adenoids get swollen.

• When malignant tumors of the nasopharynx get into the eustachian tube opening.

For any of the mentioned reasons, there will be a blockage of ventilation to the middle ear. The air inside is used up. Hence there is a generation of negative pressure in the cavity system. The condition is always accompanied by the catarrh of the upper respiratory system, but only sometimes, the mucous membrane of the eustachian tube at the opening is affected and swollen, which blocks the ventilation to the tube.

What Are the Complications of Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

Complications may develop if catarrhal inflammation is not treated properly, which include:

• A seepage of liquid components of blood and serum albumin occurs due to the negative pressure.

• A middle ear infection occurs due to these deposits in the cavity.

• If this condition persists may result in chronic mucous otitis.

• This condition is further due to the superinfection of bacteria and viruses may cause acute purulent otitis.

• The pus or the discharge is full of bacteria and viruses that create pressure in the cavity leading to earache and pulsing.

How to Diagnose Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

As it generally occurs with infection of upper respiratory tract infection, it can be identified with the symptoms present.

• Physical Examination: Medical history and clinical examination are done.

• Otoscopy: A procedure to examine the structures of the ear.

• Tympanometry: A test done to diagnose problems related to the hearing process.

• Nasal Endoscopy: It is done to know the specific details like swelling of nasal tissue or site of bleeding.

• Microscopic Examination: A microscope image is taken by inserting the pneumatic tube and light. Microscopic examination is essential.

• Audiometry Examination: This tests the ability to hear sounds.

What Is the Treatment for Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. In many cases, the condition resolves on its own after a few days or a week. Hence no particular treatment is required.

• Decongestants can be given for a short duration only to relieve nasal congestion in the nose.

• Antihistamines are given to resolve allergic problems.

• If the infection is persistent, then steroid nasal spray and drops may be given for relief.

• Antibiotics are given in case of bacterial infection.

• Painkillers may be given to relieve pain in the ear.

• Steam inhalation and gargling with warm water may ease the condition.

What Is the Prevention for Catarrhal Inflammation of the Eustachian Tube?

Another reason for the dysfunction of the eustachian tube may be due to acidification of the body. In the detoxification process of the body, the mucous membrane of the sinus, eustachian tube, and middle ear swelling take place and produce mucus. The body attempts to remove these acids, and toxins, by binding with mucus.

This can be prevented by deacidification of the body by changing eating habits and diet and also by taking natural alkaline food supplements. These are strong oxygen catalysts that alkalinize the body and reduce acid levels.

Conclusion:

The ear is an important organ of the body that is used for hearing. Any slight discomfort in it may affect the quality of life of an individual. Catarrhal inflammation of the eustachian tube is characterized by the building up of mucus in the cavities of the body, such as the sinuses and facial cavities that drain into the nose. It is associated with a ringing sensation in the ears, low-intensity pain, reduced hearing capacity, etc. Knowing about the condition helps in seeking help from a health professional early which can lead to effective treatment.