Parotid fistula: causes, symptoms, and treatment characteristics

Parotid fistula is a rather unpleasant formation. The danger is that at the initial stages it is rather difficult to notice. In this material, we will talk about the causes, symptoms, and methods of treating this ailment.

Signs of the disease

At its core, the parotid fistula (ICD L98.8.0) is a small-diameter hole that is the entrance to the subcutaneous and interstitial passages. In simple words, the disease is a hole in the ear. In some cases, the disease does not make itself felt for many years. After all, small formations do not pose any threat to health, and their development is asymptomatic. Detect the parotid fistula in a child and an adult can only be done by examining the organs of hearing or during cosmetic procedures.

If the fistula threatens the patient's health, then its symptoms are more pronounced. Main features:

• The appearance of a hole near or inside the auricle;
• Secretion of pus or secretion of white color;
• The formation of outgrowths that look like leather tubercles;
• Painful sensations;
• Nausea and general weakness;
• temperature increase;
• Swelling;
• Inflammation of tissues.

Similar symptoms suggest infection in the hole. In this case, you need to seek help from an otolaryngologist who will prescribe adequate treatment.

Localization

In most cases, the parotid fistula appears on the goat or near the ear curl. But a hole with a small diameter can be localized within the facial facial nerve. In this case, the treatment of the disease is difficult. Sometimes through passages can be formed, extending to a considerable distance and affecting adjacent organs. Fixation of cases when the fistula came out into the mouth, nasopharynx, middle ear and labyrinth.

Causes

The disease can appear due to a variety of factors. But they all fall into two main categories:

• Congenital;
• Acquired.

The congenital parotid fistula occurs due to disruptions in the development of the child in the mother's womb. In most cases, this is due to various complications during pregnancy. But often the genetic predisposition also influences the appearance of the disease, because in 25% of cases the ailment develops in the transmission of recessive-type mutations.

Acquired fistula of the parotid region

A similar type of disease can develop at any age. Main reasons:

• Mechanical damage followed by suppuration of the wound;
• Complications after surgery;
• Infection;
• Complications after otitis or other ear disease.

The size of the parotid fistula depends on the extent of the purulent process. And with the formation of a wide opening, the risk of bacteria and microorganisms entering the ear is significantly increased. This leads to frequent inflammatory processes, especially if the fistula has an outlet to another part of the organ.

Diagnostics

To determine the parotid fistula can the otolaryngologist. First, a specialist conducts a superficial examination, and if suspected of a disease, prescribes a pressor test. This study helps to detect fistulas. After diagnosing the disease, the doctor must find out the length and depth of the internal fistula. This can be done with the help of phistolography. This study also shows the presence of branching.

Treatment

In congenital type of disease, it is necessary to carefully examine the course of the disease. If it is not manifested in any way and does not pose a threat to the health of the child, the therapy consists in regular treatment of the ear with disinfectants. This is necessary in order to prevent the formation of suppuration or infection. In the future, when the child reaches an older age, you can perform an operation to remove the fistula.

If there is suppuration or swelling of the surrounding tissues, then it is necessary to conduct a course of treatment. At the initial stage of therapy, the doctor makes a small incision in inflammation. This is necessary in order to give vent to purulent contents. For further treatment, the patient is prescribed such drugs:

• Ointment "Levomekol";
• Chlorhexidine bigluconate solution.

After the inflammatory process stops, the fistulous opening closes. But sometimes the course can again fester. In cases of frequent relapse, an operation is performed to remove the fistula.

Surgical intervention

The most effective method of treatment is a complete removal of the capsule and strokes of the parotid fistula. The operation is in most cases done by the traditional method. In this case, the fistula capsule is opened and its purulent contents are removed. In adults and older children, excision is performed in a hospital with local anesthesia. After the operation, the patient is prescribed antibiotics and antiseptics, as well as pain medications. For external treatment, "Chlorhexidine" and "Levomekol" are used.

But recently new methods have been used to remove the fistula: galvanocaustic and laser surgery. Thanks to such operations, the problem area is completely cleaved, and the removal of the capsule and excision of the trenches helps prevent a recurrence in the future.

Operation is the best method of treatment, but it can only be carried out by an experienced surgeon. After all, near the parotid fistula there is a large number of facial nerves. And if they are hurt or hurt, then the person's facial expressions will be broken, it will be impossible to correct the mistake. In addition, with improperly performed surgery, the risk of re-emergence of fistulas increases. Relapse in this case is dangerous because the scar tissue disguises the entrance to the tunnel, so a hidden purulent process develops.

Medication Therapy

A similar method of treatment is used if the fistula is located in hard-to-reach places, when it is not possible to perform the operation. In this case, the patient is prescribed a course of antibacterial therapy. Such a method of treatment allows to stop the inflammatory process. Drug therapy is particularly effective in the early stages of the disease. With proper treatment it is possible to achieve complete fading of the fistula.

Recipes of traditional medicine

Before applying this or that remedy, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor. Remember that self-medication can be very dangerous. And with incorrect or unsuitable methods of therapy, instead of the desired relief, you will get a lot of complications. For the treatment of the parotid fistula, the following can be used:

• Mumiyeh. This substance has excellent healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. To treat the fistula, dissolve a small piece of mummy in water and make lotions from this mixture.
• St. John's Wort. Compresses from the decoctions of this medicinal plant will help to stop the inflammatory process, and also accelerate the healing of the wound.
• Mix in equal parts vegetable oil and vodka. Treate the affected area with this solution, put a cabbage leaf on top. Such a compress will help to pull pus and stop the inflammatory process.

Ear fistula is a rather unpleasant disease that can significantly reduce the quality of life. And the sooner you seek help from a doctor and begin treatment for ailment, the easier it will be for the therapy and the consequences of this illness. Be healthy!