What is the fluid in the ear?
When the eustachian tube is blocked or damaged, the result is a fluid in the ear. Medical terms for this are serous otitis media and otitis media with effusion. The Eustachian tubes transmit mucous membranes and other fluids from the ear to the neck. If the tubes are clogged, the fluid enters the middle ear and causes auditory complications.
The media is Latin for the middle ear infection. The term otitis media means that there is a liquid behind the eardrum. These symptoms of infection can be acute, which means that they arise suddenly or chronic, which means that symptoms will last for a longer period of time. Children develop fluid in the ear more often than any other age group due to ears structure. Swimmers are also sensitive to otitis media also because of the amount of time they spend underwater. This type of ear infection is commonly referred to as a swimmer ear. The tube drains fluids by allowing air pressure to force liquidfabric on the back of the neck. Allergies, common colds, viral infections and dull force on the ear can cause the eustachian tube to increase and inhibit fluid discharge. As a result, the fluid in the ear begins to accumulate.
The symptoms of infection vary depending on the size of the accumulation of fluids and whether such ear infections are chronic or acute. If otitis media is acute, the pain will be more serious. Chronic ear infections are usually less painful, but may permanently damage the ear drum, resulting in hearing loss. Nausea, headaches and dizziness are also symptoms associated with fluid in the ear.
doctors detect fluid in the ear with an otoscope. Otoscopy lies the inner ear and allow doctors to see the ear drum and the middle ear. The doctor will usually be able to see a liquid that usually has a yellow or green tinge.
the fluid in the ear may not require medicalintervention. In such cases, the swelling and fluid levels with time decrease. If the infection is more serious or pain is stunning, the doctor may prescribe medication. Chidope, Benadryl® or antibiotics can be prescribed to treat infection and lower fluid levels. Aspirin can also be recommended to alleviate pain associated with fluid in the ear.