Catheterization of the auditory tube is one of the diagnostic and treatment procedures that allows you to insert a catheter into the Eustachian tube through the nasopharynx . Such manipulation makes it possible to assess the ventilation ability of the hearing organs, as well as introduce a medicine for the treatment of certain ailments. If there are some violations, then the doctor can conduct a purge procedure.
Main indications
The auditory tube catheterization is performed for:
- Assessment of drainage as well as ventilation functions.
- Treatment of tubootitis.
- As an auxiliary procedure, if there is no effect of politicerization.
So, the procedure is performed if patients often complain of heavy breathing, especially through the nose. As a rule, this is due to a violation of drainage and ventilation functions.
In the presence of a disease such as tubootitis, catheterization of the auditory tube with the introduction of drugs is performed. This procedure allows you to evaluate the work of organs. In this case, the doctor can act directly on the affected area. This greatly speeds up the healing process.
Also, catheterization is performed in the absence of the effect of a procedure such as politicerization. This is due to some structural features of the sky, as well as the Eustachian tube.
Preparation for the procedure
Catheterization of the auditory tube is carried out only in the office of a specialist with a narrow profile. It is impossible to carry out such manipulations at home. Before the procedure, the doctor must prepare the patient. First of all, a specialist irrigates the nasal cavity with a special solution, which has a vasoconstrictor effect. This allows you to improve the result of catheterization, as well as reduce tissue swelling.
Before the procedure, it is also recommended to clear the nasal passages of the accumulated mucus, as it can interfere.
Special tool
How is the auditory tube catheterized? The technique is quite simple. However, caution is required during the procedure. All manipulations are carried out in the doctor’s office. During the procedure, the specialist inserts a catheter into the nasopharynx, which has a peculiar shape. To perform all the manipulations, the doctor must lift the tip of the patient’s nose. Due to the special shape of the catheter, the procedure should be performed by a doctor with extensive experience, since in the process it is possible to damage the mucous membrane. In this case, a high concentration is required.
How is a catheter inserted?
As already mentioned, catheterization of the auditory tube should only be performed by an experienced physician. With this procedure, there is a risk of damage to the tissues of the mucous membrane. Therefore, the catheter is introduced gradually, "beak" down. This procedure is not very pleasant. However, if the doctor has sufficient experience, the patient will practically not experience pain and discomfort. In addition, before the procedure, nasopharyngeal tissues are irrigated with a 5% solution of novocaine.
Difficulties in catheterization of the auditory tube cause various curvature of the septum. In such situations, the doctor must carefully circumvent all obstacles while turning the device. The risk of tissue damage when the septum is curved increases.
You should pre-select the clinic and specialist for such manipulations. This issue should be approached with full responsibility.
Effects
During a procedure such as catheterization of the auditory tube, gross movements and jerks are not allowed. Such manipulations can lead to serious rupture of the mucous membrane. And this, in turn, can cause severe bleeding.
A doctor who does not have experience and skill can confuse the mouth of the Eustachian tube with the nasopharynx. It can also cause serious consequences. In this case, blowing or administering the drug will only aggravate the patient's condition. If during the procedure the patient feels severe pain, then it is necessary to tell the doctor about this. In such cases, the specialist should stop manipulating.
If the procedure is performed incorrectly, submucosal emphysema may develop. This leads to pain during swallowing. In addition, the patient will think that in the area of the pharynx is a foreign object. The presence of such a deviation is indicated by a strong swelling of the sky, which can be detected by visual inspection.
Contraindications
Catheterization of the auditory tube, reviews of which are mostly positive, although patients note discomfort, is carried out quickly and gives good results. However, there are a number of contraindications. This procedure is not performed when:
- The presence of acute inflammatory process.
- Neurological ailments.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Epilepsy
- Psychological disorders.
In such cases, the procedure can cause the development of serious complications. For this reason, many specialists rarely resort to catheterization of the auditory tube, and turn to alternative methods.
Disadvantages of the procedure
Catheterization of the auditory tube with Dexamethasone and other drugs is an effective procedure for a number of diseases. However, it has some disadvantages. The invasive method should be highlighted first. The procedure is not very pleasant. Often, impressionable people in the process of catheterization lose consciousness.
In fact, the procedure is extremely rare, carried out in a hospital. Recently, objective research methods have been used to diagnose diseases, including endoscopy of the internal opening of the auditory tube and otoscopy using a videootoscope.