A fungus that brings on an ear infection is known as otomycosis. It occurs most frequently during extreme heat and humidity periods, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Additionally, it is called “fungal otitis externa.”
The outer ear canal is typically affected by otomycosis. The middle ear may also be affected. Fungi are responsible for about 10% of otitis externa or external ear canal infections.
Let us read the following blog to learn everything about otomycosis.
Types Of Ear Fungal Infections
There are mainly two types of fungal infections that can be seen in the ear. The two are given as follows.
- The most prevalent type of fungus infection, known as the SUPERFICIAL TYPE, affects the ear canal’s skin.
- A rare infection known as an invasive type occurs when a fungus infects the ear bone (called the Temporal Bone).
Symptoms Of Otomycosis
The various symptoms that can be seen in fungal ear infections are as follows.
- The discomfort in the ear
- Ear pain adds tickling sounds to the ear.
- Pus or ear discharge
- An earache and a heavy feeling
- Loss of hearing
Management Of Otomycosis
An infection of the ears begins with a thorough cleaning of the infected ear by an ENT surgeon. The patient is given antifungal ear drops, which must be inserted into the ear twice daily for five to seven days after cleaning. The patient could also receive oral medications if required to treat their ear pain and itching. Your symptoms and the medical background will be discussed with you by your doctor. They’ll probably examine your ear canal with an otoscope. Occasionally, fungus spores may be visible. Any pus or other material in your ear canal may be sampled. The bacteria in this sample will be identified in a laboratory.
Preventive Measures For Otomycosis
It is good to take precautionary measures to avoid fungal infections in the ear. The patient must avoid swimming and get wet in the rain. The patient must ensure that his ear remains fully dry and watch out when washing to prevent water from entering the ear. For this, the patient can use a cotton plug lubricated with an oil or cream such as Vaseline, coconut oil, boro line, boro plus, etc. This is required because, despite the dry cotton’s ability to absorb water, the lubricated cotton dipped in vaseline or oil prevents water from penetrating the ear. A hairdryer can be used if the remaining water in the ear occurs while showering.
Keep some following measures in mind.
1) Be mindful of using EAR PLUGS while swimming to prevent water from entering the ear.
2) Diabetic patients should maintain good blood sugar management.
3) Never use ear drops of any kind without consulting a doctor.
4) Avoid using an earbud, matchstick, or even your finger to scrape the ear.
In The End
It is crucial to visit a doctor because fungus infections can occasionally be complicated to treat and may require frequent ear canal cleaning to eliminate the fungal debris for a very long time. This is because even the tiniest fungus spores can develop into mature fungi fully.
