Wax buildup causes the ear canal to become infected with fungus

Mr. Nguyen, 35 years old, has a habit of removing earwax from the barbershop. Recently, it was itchy and uncomfortable. The doctor discovered that the wax was thick and blocking the ear canal, causing inflammation due to a fungal infection.

Endoscopy results at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City showed that wax blocked the ear canal, forming a dense layer from the ear opening to the eardrum. MSc.BS.CKII Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Ear, Nose and Throat Center, used specialized tools to remove each piece of wax, with a total size of more than 15 cm, avoiding damage to the eardrum.

On January 17, Dr. Hang said that Mr. Nguyen had fungal ear infections. This is an infection of the external ear canal caused by bacteria or fungi, with more severe symptoms than inflammation caused by an agent. Sharing earwax removal tools increases the risk of fungal infection.

The doctor cleaned his ears, prescribed drops and instructed him on proper hygiene to avoid recurring fungal infections. After two weeks of follow-up examination, the ear wax buildup was gone and there was no longer any itching or discomfort.

 

Doctor Hang performed an ear exam for Mr. Nguyen. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital

Clinical manifestations of fungal otitis media are diverse or may be asymptomatic and only discovered incidentally through endoscopy. Some people may experience earwax plugs, itching, discharge, pain, and hearing loss. In addition to sharing earwax removal equipment, people who often swim in unclean places and do not use earplugs are also susceptible to ear fungus. A humid environment is a good opportunity for fungi to grow and develop.

According to Dr. Hang, the disease rarely goes away on its own. Therefore, patients need to see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The treatment regimen is usually ear cleaning combined with antifungal drops. If the disease is not treated promptly, it can lead to complications of infection of the mastoid and temporal bones, requiring surgery. People with a lot of earwax causing discomfort should see an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor for examination, avoid arbitrarily using sharp or unsanitary tools to remove it.

By Editor

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