Kuulmekäigules

Kuulmekäigules are a type of fungal growth that can occur within the ear canal. The term "kuulmekäigules" is Estonian and translates to "ear canal fungi." These growths are typically associated with fungal infections, commonly known as otomycosis. Otomycosis is an infection of the external ear canal caused by fungi, and the resulting visible fungal hyphae or spores can be referred to as kuulmekäigules.

Several species of fungi can cause otomycosis, with Aspergillus and Candida being the most common culprits. Factors that increase the risk of developing kuulmekäigules include excessive moisture in the ear canal (often from swimming or humid environments), injury to the ear canal, the use of certain medications like topical steroids or antibiotics, and underlying health conditions that weaken the immune system.

Symptoms of kuulmekäigules or otomycosis can vary but often include itching, pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, discharge from the ear, and sometimes a visible growth or discoloration within the ear canal. Diagnosis is usually made by a healthcare professional through visual inspection of the ear canal and sometimes by taking a sample for laboratory analysis to identify the specific fungal species.

Treatment for kuulmekäigules typically involves cleaning the ear canal to remove the fungal debris and applying antifungal medications, which can be in the form of ear drops or oral medications. Preventing recurrence often involves keeping the ears dry and avoiding practices that can irritate or damage the ear canal.