FLUID COLLECTION IN THE EAR
Why does fluid accumulation in the middle ear occur? Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is caused by poor functioning of the Eustachian tube, which carries air from the nasal passage to the middle ear, and untreated middle ear infections. Parental smoking and air pollution at home are also effective factors. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent hearing loss and, later in life, to catarrhal otitis media.
It is often recognized by hearing loss. If your child repeats several times when you call him/her, turns up the volume of the television too loudly or watches it closely, and his/her success in his/her classes is gradually decreasing, you should consult an ENT specialist without wasting any time. Fluid collection in the middle ear is a common condition in children who have frequent upper respiratory tract infections and nasal congestion, who sleep with their mouth open or snore during sleep, who have restless sleep, who constantly turn over in bed, and who have intense night sweats, especially in the head and neck.
Causes
- Exposure to cigarette smoke,
- Children in kindergarten,
- Frequent recurrent upper respiratory tract infections,
- Babies who are bottle-fed in the supine position,
- Adenoid size,
- Allergy
- Nasal Congestion
Treatment
The period of playful childhood, when the disease is common, is also the time when children are learning to speak and communicate with their environment, so the speed of treatment is very important. In the first stage, medication is used. The fluid in the ear usually disappears spontaneously within 3 months. However, in 10-20% of patients, the fluid may be permanent. If the fluid accumulation in the ear persists despite these treatments, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment, i.e. tube insertion, to remove the fluid in the middle ear.
The method used in surgical treatment is the insertion of a ventilation tube into the eardrum. The aim here is to break the vicious circle by allowing the middle ear to ventilate.
The procedure is a very short surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The patient is discharged 5-6 hours after surgery. There is almost no postoperative pain.
The inserted ventilation tubes remain in place for 6-12 months depending on the type of tube. During this period, patients should protect their ears from water. When the ear heals, the tube is usually removed spontaneously and no further treatment is required.