Fluid in Ear

Middle ear is the space behind the eardrum and it lies in between the inner and outer ear. In normal condition, this cavity is filled up with air. Sometimes, due to some reasons, this air may get replaced with fluid. When there is a small amount of fluid in ear, then it is bothersome and it get drained out on its own through the Eustachian tube that connects the middle section of the ear with the back of the nose. However, excess collection of fluid can have an adverse impact on the hearing mechanism. Fluid build up usually occur in both the ears but only one ear may also get affected.

Causes

Fluid in ear mostly develops during or after a cold and flu or an upper respiratory infection. In this condition, the Eustachian tube is blocked with mucous and sufficient air fails to reach the middle part of the ear. As a result, the air filled area get filled up with mucous or fluid. This ear problem can also arise soon after a middle ear infection. The infection causing bacteria may get destroyed quite easily with medicines but the mucous remain inside the ear for a longer time resulting in fluid build without any infection. Fluid in ear is more commonly found in babies and small children. This is because the Eustachian tube that ensures drainage of the fluid are very short and horizontal. As a result, even a minor blockage in it sends the fluid back to the ear.

Symptoms

Initially, there is no sign and symptoms of fluid build up inside the ears. The first and most common complain of ear fluid is a sense of congestion inside the ear. The pressure felt due to the congestion is often described as an ear pain by children. This is accompanied by temporary hearing loss. Your child cannot sense that he or she is unable to hear properly. You can identify it when you see him or her moving closer to TV to listen properly or is not responding when you are talking in soft voice. When fluid in ear and dizziness occur together, then it is a sign of excessive fluid collection inside the ear. As a result, children find it difficult to maintain the body balance while walking.

Treatment

As long as the symptoms are mild, it does not require any treatment. The fluid will get drained out in its normal course. Usually, it takes around 6-9 months to clear up completely. When the symptoms are interfering with the child's everyday life, then you must take your child to an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist. Initially, antibiotics are prescribed to remove the fluid. It is also helpful for fighting off any infection, Along with it, cortisone and decongestants are given to provide relief from the annoying symptoms. With the help of these medicines, the fluid build up is cleared up within a few days. In those cases, where the fluid refuses to drain out with all these medicines, doctors opt for surgical means for draining fluid in ear. This is known as myringotomy. Here a small plastic tube is placed into the eardrum through a small surgical incision. After a few weeks, the fluid substance will be eliminated through it.

There are some simple home remedies that can be used to remove ear fluid. Warm compression of the ear is an effective remedy. Take a warm towel, place it over the affected ear and lie down with the ear facing the pillow. This facilitates easy draining of fluid from ear. There is a homemade drying solution that can be used for fluid removal. It is made up of equal quantities of alcohol and vinegar. When a few drops of this moisture is applied, then the alcohol trap the watery substance and ensure its faster evaporation. The antiseptic properties of vinegar kills the bacteria.

When a small child is suspected to have fluid in the ear, then it should not be neglected as it can cause loss of hearing. Even a temporary hearing impairment at this age can have an adverse effect on the speech development of the child. Prevention is possible by preventing any ear infection. Those children who are exposed to tobacco smoke are at a higher risk of getting this problem. Therefore, children should not be exposed to passive smoking.