Fluid can accumulate in the ear from any one of a few different mechanisms. Fluid can collect in the ear is during an acute infection of the middle ear, called acute otitis media. In this case, the fluid is made up of inflammatory cells as well as virus and bacteria particles that those cells are fighting.
Fluid can also build up behind the ear drum when the Eustachian tubes are not properly functioning. One of the functions of the Eustachian tubes is to balance the pressure in the ear. When they malfunction, it creates a pressure vacuum behind the ear drum that pulls in fluid from the tissues.
Fluid also may collect in the ear is during a cold or allergic reaction. In those cases, the tissues around the Eustachian tube opening get swollen and block the tubes from functioning, causing a pressure vacuum in the ear and preventing the ear fluid from draining.
Antibiotics
Because many instances of ear fluid are caused by middle ear infection, antibiotics are often used as the main course of treatment. Bacteria that cause the infections are usually in a category called Gram Positive and include such classes as Streptococcus, Haemophlus and Moraxella. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic often used for those infections because of its action against Gram Positive strains and its low risk of side effects. It is taken orally and can be either in pill or liquid form.
Decongestants
Because many cases of ear fluid and pressure are caused by nasal and sinus tissue swelling, decongestant medications can provide effective relief. The medications can be either topical, such as Afrin nasal spray, or oral, such as Sudafed. They relieve pressure by constricting the blood vessels to the nasal and sinus tissues, which shrinks that tissue and decreases swelling. Once the swelling comes down, the Eustachian tubes open up and the fluid can drain from the ear. The decongestants are sold over the counter and can be very effective.
Ear Tubes
Insertion of ear tubes is one of the most common surgical procedures, especially in children. Tubes, usually inserted due to persistent or recurring middle ear infections, help drain the fluid from the middle ear. Improved drainage usually prevents infections from developing again and decreases the severity of any infections that do develop. The procedure usually takes only 10 to 20 minutes to perform. It is also a relatively safe procedure. Possible, but unlikely side effects, include ear drum scarring, persistent ear drainage and persistent ear drum perforation.
References
- British Medical Journal; Clinical efficacy of three common treatments in acute otitis externa in primary care: randomised controlled trial; Frank van Balen; November 2003
- Journal of the Chinese Medical Association; Ear Problems in Swimmers; Mao-Che Wang; August 2005
- Medline Plus: Ear Tube Insertion
