The treatment of chronic ear itching. Interdisciplinary approach to the problem

Abstract

The article presents the data of observation and treatment of patients with chronic ear itching according to the author’s method performed in 104 patients aged 19–75 years over more than 10 years. The author monitors the long-term results. The objective is to improve the efficacy of treatment and diagnostics of the patients with chronic itching in the external auditory canal resulting in deformation of the auditory canal and concha, prevent the aggravation in the form of external bacterial and mycotic external otitis, improve the patients’ life quality. Patients and methods: all the patients have undergone ear, throat, nose examination; general blood test, general urine test; biochemical blood assay: ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, GGTP, ultrasonic test of liver, pancreas and gall bladder, microscopic examination of the external auditory canal secretion and the secretion inoculation for microflora. The treatment regimen included peroral administration of cholagogue and hepatoprotective preparations (soya bean phospholipids, Silybum marianum) and topical application of antiallergic preparation into ear in the form of a gel – histamine H1 receptor antagonist (dimethindene maleate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride). Results: a significant intensity reduction or cessation of itching in the external auditory canal; a considerable decrease of frequency of the acute external bacterial or mycotic otitis relapse or absence thereof; restoration of ceruminous and sebacerous glands of the external auditory canal skin which results in regeneration of protective function of the external auditory canal skin cover; improvement of liver and gall bladder function; in a number of cases – cessation or reduction of genital itch. Conclusion. In the process of diagnostics and treatment appointment as well as for reaching the clinical efficacy of the treatment it is necessary to consider the role and pathological changes of the patient’s hepatobiliary system.