Fluid In The Ear And Allergies
;;;;;;;;;;; The most common ear problem seen in patients with allergies is fluid in the ear or middle ear effusion.; Allergic reactions have been proposed as being responsible for some cases of hearing loss and fluid in the middle portion of the ear.
;;Most of the middle ear effusions occur under two years of age and the incidence continues to decrease by the age of ten years.; There seems to be an increased incidence during the winter and spring months, apparently related to an increase in respiratory tract infections.
;;;;;;;;;;;; The fluid in the middle ear may be clear and watery; this is usually seen following respiratory infections and flare up of allergic nasal congestion.; In glue ear, the effusion consists of thick and cloudy fluid.; These gluey secretions are more prone to recurrent infections if they persist on a long term basis.
;;;;;;;;;;;; Children with fluid in the ear often complain of being stopped up or having popping ears.; The older child and young adult may complain of having a hearing loss and of a feeling of fullness in the ear.; The fluid in the middle ear is the most prevalent cause of hearing loss in school age children.; These children are often described by teachers and parents as being inattentive, loud talkers, and slow learners.; When middle ear effusion is present for a long period of time, there may be a delay in language development and learning resulting in poor school performance.;Some of the children are prone to frequent ear infections with high fever and earaches.
What Are The Symptoms Of Otitis Media With Effusion In Adults
Although ear infections are commonly associated with children, they can also affect the adult populous. In most cases, Eustachian tube dysfunction is often considered to be the primary factor causing the complication. That being said, the condition has also been linked with allergy, antecedent upper respiratory tract infections, or barotrauma . Typical symptoms associated with OME include aural fullness and hearing loss. Some adult sufferers have also noted experiencing a slight sensation of disequilibrium, without vertigo, and/or the sensation of a foreign body within the ear. In rare cases, patients have spoken of experiencing acute ear pain.
What Should I Expect If I Or My Child Has An Ear Infection
Ear infections are common in children. Adults can get them too. Most ear infections are not serious. Your healthcare provider will recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and fever. Pain relief may begin as soon as a few hours after taking the drug.
Your healthcare provider may wait a few days before prescribing an antibiotic. Many infections go away on their own without the need for antibiotics. If you or your child receives an antibiotic, you should start to see improvement within two to three days.
If you or your child has ongoing or frequent infections, or if fluid remains in the middle ear and puts hearing at risk, ear tubes may be surgically implanted in the eardrum to keep fluid draining from the eustachian tube as it normally should.
Never hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.
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Personal Stories About Treatment For Fluid Behind The Eardrum
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
My little boy, Mateo, is 5 years old. He has only had two ear infections, but he still has fluid behind his eardrum since this last infection. The fluid has been behind his eardrum for 3 months now. It doesn’t seem to bother him. I’m going to have Mateo’s hearing tested and, if it is okay, I’m just going to wait to see if the fluid will go away on its own.
Ramon, age 45
My daughter, Sarah, is almost 3 years old. A few months ago, she had her fourth ear infection, and this time there is still fluid behind her eardrum. I am worried. I don’t want Sarah to have trouble with her speech. I have heard about putting tubes in children’s ears to help drain fluid. Even though surgery is scary, I’m going to go ahead and talk with Sarah’s doctor about having it done. Sarah is tired of taking medicines, and I don’t want Sarah to have any hearing loss.
Wilson, age 33
My daughter, Amanda, is 4. She just had her first ear infection 4 months ago and still has fluid behind her eardrum. I had her hearing tested, and there is no problem. The fluid doesn’t seem to bother her. Amanda really hates to take medicine, so I’m just going to wait and see if the fluid will go away on its own.
Michelle, age 25
Rachel, age 42
Who Does It Effect
Anybody can get fluid in the ear at any time of life but young children are far more at risk because of the anatomy of the Eustachian tube. As you would expect, the auditory tube in children is a different shape. It is more horizontal and smaller in diameter than that of an adult.
According to estimates, over 2 million cases are reported in the U.S.A every year and up to 90% of all children will experience fluid in the ears before reaching school age.
While fluid in the ear may not be a serious issue, it can lead to other more serious complaints such as ear infection, balance issues, hearing loss, nausea and vomiting.
In most cases, the body clears up the fluid of its own accord but it may require medical intervention to expedite the process. Another option is to try one of the many home remedies for clearing up the fluid from your ears.
Here are some of the best methods that you can easily try at home.
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Where Is The Middle Ear
The middle ear is behind the eardrum and is also home to the delicate bones that aid in hearing. These bones are the hammer , anvil and stirrup . To provide the bigger picture, lets look at the whole structure and function of the ear:
The ear structure and function
There are three main parts of the ear: outer, middle and inner.
- The outer ear is the outside external ear flap and the ear canal .
- The middle ear is the air-filled space between the eardrum and the inner ear. The middle ear houses the delicate bones that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. This is where ear infections occur.
- The inner ear contains the snail-shaped labyrinth that converts sound vibrations received from the middle ear to electrical signals. The auditory nerve carries these signals to the brain.
Other nearby parts
- The eustachian tube regulates air pressure within the middle ear, connecting it to the upper part of the throat.
- Adenoids are small pads of tissue above the throat and behind the nose and near the eustachian tubes. Adenoids help fight infection caused by bacteria that enters through the mouth.
When Should I Call The Doctor
Very rarely, ear infections that don’t go away or severe repeated middle ear infections can lead to complications. So kids with an earache or a sense of fullness in the ear, especially when combined with fever, should be seen by their doctors if they aren’t getting better after a couple of days.
Other things can cause earaches, such as teething, a foreign object in the ear, or hard earwax. Your doctor can find the cause of your child’s discomfort and treat it.
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Can Otitis Media With Effusion Be Prevented Or Avoided
The best ways to prevent fluid build-up in the ears are the same as preventing ear infections:
- Wash your childs hands and toys often.
- Avoid pacifiers.
- Breastfeed your baby.
- If you bottle-feed your baby, hold him or her in an upright, seated position when feeding them.
- Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.
- Make sure your childs vaccinations are up to date.
Tests For Blocked Eustachian Tubes
Your doctor will do a physical exam to check for symptoms of blocked eustachian tubes. They will look for swelling and redness in your ears as well as your throat. They may also look for swollen adenoids, check your temperature, and ask about other symptoms like pain and pressure.
If you have chronically blocked eustachian tubes, your doctor may test your hearing, or look for underlying causes.
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Signs In Young Children
As babies are unable to communicate the source of their discomfort, it can be difficult to tell what’s wrong with them. Signs that a young child might have an ear infection include:
- raised temperature
- pulling, tugging or rubbing their ear
- irritability, poor feeding or restlessness at night
- coughing or a runny nose
- unresponsiveness to quiet sounds or other signs of difficulty hearing, such as inattentiveness
- loss of balance
When Else Are Antibiotics Needed
Antibiotics can be the right treatment for kids who get a lot of ear infections. Their doctors might prescribe daily antibiotics to help prevent future infections. And younger children or those with more severe illness may need antibiotics right from the start.
The “wait-and-see” approach also might not apply to children with other concerns, such as cleft palate, genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, or other illnesses such as immune system disorders.
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Natural Ways For How To Get Fluid Out Of Ear
Excess of fluid in the ear may result in severe troubles and infections which might act as obstacles for you in carrying out routine activities. One may lose the sense of balance or experience dizziness. It may also cause hearing loss. Hence, it is necessary to treat fluid in ear from cold or other infections. Here are some effective remedies for how to remove fluid from the ear.
When To See Your Doctor
Trapped water usually goes away without treatment. If it bothers you, consider trying one of these home treatments to help relieve your discomfort. But if the water is still trapped after 2 to 3 days or if you show signs of infection, you should call your doctor.
If your ear becomes inflamed or swollen, you may have developed an ear infection. An ear infection can become serious if you dont get treatment for it. It may lead to hearing loss or other complications, such as cartilage and bone damage.
Your doctor can prescribe medications to eliminate infection and relieve pain.
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What Causes Fluid In The Ear
Fluid in the ear, a condition also known as SOM serous otitis media or OME otitis media with effusion. It typically occurs because of some type of ear infection but can also occur when the auditory tube or the Eustachian tube is impaired. The Eustachian tube helps the drainage of fluids from the ears to the rear of your throat. The problems occur when the Eustachian tube gets clogged causing fluid to become trapped within the middle ear area.
As well as ear infections, fluid in your ear can be caused by allergies or the common cold especially when inflammation or a build up of mucus prevents the Eustachian tube from properly draining.
What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision
Check the facts
- Sorry, that’s not right. Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3 months without treatment.
- That’s right. Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3 months without treatment.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3 months without treatment.
- That’s right. In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.
- Sorry, that’s not right. In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.
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How Middle Ear Infections Are Treated
Most ear infections clear up within three to five days and don’t need any specific treatment. If necessary, paracetamol or ibuprofen should be used to relieve pain and a high temperature.
Make sure any painkillers you give to your child are appropriate for their age. Read more about giving your child painkillers.
Antibiotics aren’t routinely used to treat middle ear infections, although they may occasionally be prescribed if symptoms persist or are particularly severe.
Read more about treating middle ear infections
How To Clear Inner Ear Fluid With Dandelion
- Image: Shutterstock
Dandelion is an effective remedy for removing fluid in the inner ear. Fluid buildup between the throat and eustachian tube can cause severe infection. It may also result in tinnitus, vertigo, or loss of hearing. Hence, you must treat it quickly. Here dandelion, the amazing herb known for its extensive medicinal uses comes to your rescue. It is an excellent treatment for how to remove fluid from the ear.
How to use?
- Boil a cup of water
- Pour it in a cup over a teaspoon of dried dandelion leaves
- Strain the mixture and drink it
- For effective healing, consume the dandelion drink at least three times a day
Benefits of dandelion
Dandelion is not just a notorious weed; it is a potent herb with miraculous properties. It is natural diuretic and thus, helps in drying out the fluid present in your ear.
Precautions
Consumption of dandelion herb may cause an allergic reaction in some. It may also interfere with your medications. Hence, consult your doctor before using the remedy.
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What Causes An Ear Infection
Ear infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. Many times, an ear infection begins after a cold or other respiratory infection. The bacteria or virus travel into the middle ear through the eustachian tube . This tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. The bacteria or virus can also cause the eustachian tube to swell. This swelling can cause the tube to become blocked, which keeps normally produced fluids to build up in the middle ear instead of being able to be drained away.
Adding to the problem is that the eustachian tube is shorter and has less of a slope in children than in adults. This physical difference makes these tubes easier to become clogged and more difficult to drain. The trapped fluid can become infected by a virus or bacteria, causing pain.
Medical terminology and related conditions
Because your healthcare provider may use these terms, its important to have a basic understanding of them:
Can Ear Infections Affect Hearing
Fluid buildup in the middle ear also blocks sound, which can lead to temporary hearing problems. Kids having a problem might:
- not respond to soft sounds
- need to turn up the TV or radio
- talk louder
- seem inattentive at school
In kids who have otitis media with effusion, the fluid behind the eardrum can block sound, so mild temporary hearing loss can happen, but might not be obvious.
A child whose eardrum has ruptured might have ringing or buzzing in the ear and not hear as well as usual.
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Treatment For Glue Ear From A Gp
Glue ear is not always treated. The GP will usually wait to see if the symptoms get better on their own.
This is because there’s no effective medicine for glue ear, and it often clears up on its own within 3 months.
Your child may be monitored for up to a year in case their symptoms change or get worse.
The GP may suggest trying a treatment called autoinflation while waiting for symptoms to improve. Autoinflation can help fluid in the ear to drain.
It’s done by either:
- blowing up a special balloon using 1 nostril at a time
- swallowing while holding the nostrils closed
As autoinflation has to be done several times a day, it’s not usually recommended for children under 3 years old.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if glue ear causes an ear infection.
When Should I Seek Help For Fluid From The Ear
Fluid from the ear usually goes away by itself. But see your doctor if:
- the fluid is white, yellow, or contains blood
- you have fluid from the ear for more than 5 days
- you have other symptoms, such as a fever and a lot of pain
- your ear is swollen or red
- you cant hear properly
- you have had an injury
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What Is Otitis Media With Effusion
Otitis media is a;generic;term that refers to an;inflammation;of the middle ear. The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum. Otitis media with;effusion;means there is fluid in the middle ear, without an infection.
Fluid in the middle ear can have few symptoms, especially if it develops slowly. It almost always goes away on its own in a few weeks to a few months. So, this kind of ear problem doesnt usually need to be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may decide to treat it if it causes a painful;infection;or if the fluid doesnt go away.
Otitis media with effusion is most common in young children, age 2 and under. But it can affect people of any age.