Several different conditions cause fluid to accumulate within the ear. Generally, most of the fluid is caused by pressure changes in the middle part of the ear behind the ear drum. The fluid in turn can cause pain and a pressure sensation by pushing against the ear drum. The conditions that cause that fluid to accumulate can be infectious in nature. They can also be from poorly functioning eustachian tubes that are unable to drain the fluid from the middle ear.
Infection
A middle ear infection, otherwise known as otitis media, is a very common cause of fluid collection in the ear. That infection affects the lining of the ear drum and the tissues behind the ear drum. People suffering from otitis media typically experience pain and pressure within the ear. Bacteria that cause the infections are usually in a category called gram positive and include such classes as streptococcus, haemophlus and moraxella. Amoxicillin works well for those infections because of its action against gram positive strains and its low risk of side effects.
Allergies
Nasal and sinus allergies cause swelling of the tissues that surround the openings of the eustachian tubes that drain fluid from the middle ear. When a person develops those allergies, the openings of the eustachian tubes can easily be blocked, trapping fluid inside the ear. That fluid can build up and cause pressure and pain. The fluid can also become infected. Decongestant medications can treat the allergy symptoms and prevent ear fluid buildup.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Children are born with eustachian tubes that are small and have a curvature that makes them prone to malfunction. That is why most ear infections occur in young children. As people get older, the eustachian tubes normally become wider and develop a shape that makes it easier for them to drain the ear fluid. In a small percentage of individuals, however, the tubes do not develop adequately and they continue to have problems with ear fluid and infections that persist into adulthood.
References
- Children's Health Topics: Ear Infections
- Drugs: Amoxicillin
- "Journal Pediatrics"; Otitis media with effusion; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Otitis Media With Effusion; January 2004
