Fluid in the ear occurs commonly in younger children. After a cold, fluid can build up behind the eardrum, resulting in a condition known as otitis media with effusion (OME). This happens because there is a block in the Eustachian tube, which connects the nose and throat. Eventually, the fluid cannot drain and causes a hearing problem. If the condition does not resolve and the fluid is present for a long time, your doctor will suggest treatment.
Prevention
According to Medline Plus, you can prevent fluid from building up in the ear. Parents should avoid smoking. Encouraging breast feeding for infants and changing day care facilities are two actions to take to help your child get fewer ear infections.
Observation
According to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the fluid generally resolves itself without any treatment within three months. A "wait and watch" policy should be adopted. In about 75 percent of cases of fluid build-up, which usually result after an acute ear infection, they resolve on their own. You have to follow-up with your doctor periodically to see if the fluid has cleared.
Medical Treatment
If the fluid lasts for a long time, your doctor will advise a special hearing test called tympanometry. This will help confirm if the fluid is present. Antibiotics are then prescribed at the follow-up visit if fluid is there. These will clear the infection and allow the fluid to drain. A decongestant drug may be prescribed, which helps to clear the block from the Eustachian tube. However, evidence that medication help is lacking. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), antibiotics will not help for OME.
Surgery
If fluid remains in the middle ear after three months, it can cause hearing and speech problems. This fluid needs to be removed. This is done to prevent further damage to the middle ear and to restore your child's hearing. This is done with an operation called myringotomy. After making an opening in the eardrum, a tube is inserted in the eardrum. This will drain the fluid. Hearing improves and the tube prevents the fluid from building up. Many times, the adenoids (lymphatic tissue), next to the area of the Eustachian tube are removed. This happens as their enlargement causes blockage of the tube and fluid accumulation. Adenoid removal is usually done along with the myringotomy.
