Recurrent ear infections

Important elements in the pathomechanism of recurrent infections’ development are individual factors such as weakness of immune system, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, systemic diseases, allergies, reflux disease, anatomical diversity, and activity of the immune system in adults and children, as well as external factors: environmental pollution, social conditions, human clusters at work, schools, and kindergartens. The most common inflammatory diseases of the external ear are diffuse, limited, atopic, and malignant inflammations of the external auditory canal, herpes zoster oticus. However, acute recurrent otitis media is one of the most common childhood-related illnesses up to the age of six years, and in adults it may lead to a number of intratemporal and intracranial complications. The treatment should in any case be individualised and include, as well as temporarily combating the symptoms of acute inflammation, a planned series of therapeutic measures to prevent recurrences and complications.