CHRONIC CATARRHAL INFLAMMATION OF THE MIDDLE EAR
Categories:
Diseases of The Eye and Ear
The expression, acute
inflammation of the middle ear, is rightly employed when it is applied to
a case in which the underlying cause is of a temporary nature, as for
example, a cold in the head, and mild attack of influenza, perhaps also in
an attack of hay fever. But when the causes are of a more permanent
character and the middle ear continues for an indefinite period to be the
seat of all sorts of disturbances the combinat
on of these different
diseased phenomena receives the name of chronic catarrhal inflammation of
the middle ear.
Causes. Troubles (lesions) located in the upper pharynx, the
naso-pharyngeal (nose-pharynx) vault and the nasal passages. Adenoids may
cause it.
The course of this disease has of recent years been growing more
favorable, because the causes are being removed more and more.
Symptoms. Symptoms of the acute inflammation would be present, and
impairment of hearing which sometimes comes so gradually as not to be
noticed by the patient. It will be better and then worse. A harassing,
hissing, blowing, ringing, usually accompanies it. Pains soon or later add
to the discomfort. One side is usually affected first.
Treatment. It must be devoted to removing the causes just mentioned.
Restore the general health. Abstain from alcohol, tobacco and excess of
all kinds. Active outdoor exercise, horseback riding, mountain climbing,
rowing, walking, etc., are great health producers.