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Suggest Remedies For Fluid In Both The Ears
Question: Dr said I have fluid in both ears but no infection. She gave me a zpak to take so I don't get infection. I don't want to take unless I have to. Are there any ways to get the fluid out?
Brief Answer:
Medication is the simplest way to get fluid out. Confirm the fluid first.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get an Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) done. Upload the reports.
2. If the Impedance Audiometry shows fluid build-up behind the ear drums (Flat type B graph) and a negative pressure above -150 daPa, medication is unlikely to help and a myringotomy with grommet procedure is usually advised.
3. If the middle ear pressures are less, the above medication should include an anti-allergic , mucolytic and short term OTC nasal decongestant drops (0.01% Xylometazoline) for a few days. The drops should be instilled twice a day along the side walls of the nose while lying down on your back with the head thrown back while keeping a pillow under the shoulders. Auto-inflation exercises such as the Valsalva maneuver should be done.
4. If there is any sign of infection, antibiotics must be started. Instead of the zpak, a broad spectrum penicillin group antibiotic will be useful.
5. Fluid in the middle ear, if allowed to stagnate, tends to thicken into a glue like consistency. Ventilation helps reduce the normal secretions and promotes healing. Therefore it is wise to consult an ENT and plan aforementioned test.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Medication is the simplest way to get fluid out. Confirm the fluid first.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get an Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) done. Upload the reports.
2. If the Impedance Audiometry shows fluid build-up behind the ear drums (Flat type B graph) and a negative pressure above -150 daPa, medication is unlikely to help and a myringotomy with grommet procedure is usually advised.
3. If the middle ear pressures are less, the above medication should include an anti-allergic , mucolytic and short term OTC nasal decongestant drops (0.01% Xylometazoline) for a few days. The drops should be instilled twice a day along the side walls of the nose while lying down on your back with the head thrown back while keeping a pillow under the shoulders. Auto-inflation exercises such as the Valsalva maneuver should be done.
4. If there is any sign of infection, antibiotics must be started. Instead of the zpak, a broad spectrum penicillin group antibiotic will be useful.
5. Fluid in the middle ear, if allowed to stagnate, tends to thicken into a glue like consistency. Ventilation helps reduce the normal secretions and promotes healing. Therefore it is wise to consult an ENT and plan aforementioned test.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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