Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media(CSOM)- Know The Causes And Symptoms

A group of inflammatory diseases in the middle ear is termed as otitis media. When this problem persists more than a period of three months, it is known as chronic suppurative otitis media which can be described as a chronic inflammation of the mastoid cavity and middle ear. It is characterized by discharge from the ear. This happens because the tympanic membrane becomes perforated.

The phenomenon can be categorized into two, safe and unsafe CSOM and they are determined on the basis of whether or not cholesteatoma, which is an abnormal growth of skin in the middle ear, is present. The safe CSOM can be further subdivided into inactive and active depending on whether an infection is present or not. And the unsafe CSOM involves cholesteatoma which is non-malignant but can cause a destructive lesion on the base of the skull.

What are the causes of CSOM?
CSOM or chronic suppurative otitis media is mostly seen in people with chronic mastoiditis as a result of bacterial infection. It may stem from erosion of middle ear walls and the mastoid cavity which, in turn, can cause exposure of the jugular bulb, facial nerve, lateral sinus and temporal lobe dura.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic suppurative otitis media?
Chronic suppurative otitis media presents itself with leakage from the affected ear. It also includes the possible history of traumatic perforation along with insertion of grommets and otorrhea which may or may not include otalgia or fever. Other symptoms of the disease include vertigo, otalgia, and fever. Your doctor would be able to rule out intracranial or intratemporal complication which is essential for the treatment of the disease. Some people also suffer from hearing loss in the affected ear, and you should ask your doctor regarding the impact of the problem on work and daily living.

On the other hand, the signs of the disease may include oedematousness of the external auditory canal which is not generally tender. Granulation tissue is also seen in the median canal or the ear space in the middle ear.

When there is postauricular swelling or facial paralysis or vertigo or mastoiditis, it is imperative to arrange for urgent assessment or evaluation with a team of ENT experts. The patient must keep the affected ear clean and dry as far as practicable. The instances of life-threatening complications from the disease have been reduced to a great extent with the introduction of sulfonamides and penicillin. According to the medical principles, the primary aim of managing the disease includes eradicating the infection and closure of tympanic perforation. With the help of proper treatment, your doctor would be able to reduce the intensity of hearing loss and a constant threat of microbial infection in the middle portion of the ear. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ent Specialist.