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What Causes Sticky Fluid Behind The Eardrum In The Middle Ear?
Question: I'm an adult who seems to have fluid in my ears. I have no pain at this time, and so far, has had little effects, other than the sound I hear when swallowing. I have noticed it seems almost non existent after waking up. However, after waking up, it seems as though fluid has drained from my ears. (When I put my finger in my ear it's wet). I've tried swimmers ear drops and ear wax drops once or twice.
Brief Answer:
Otitis externa or an ottitis media with effusion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM,
I read carefully your question and understand your concern.
What you are describing its seems either like a external Otitis or a Otitis media with effusion.
The treatment for both of them is different and what would differentiate is one or the other is an examination with the Otoscope(preferrably by ENT specialist).
1) If it is an otitis with effusion, you can try doing the valsalva maneuver (close your mouth, pinch your nose shut while pressing out as if blowing up a balloon). Do it several times/day, because it will open a communication between the ear and the throat, and will drain the fluid in your ear. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do for this type of problem. It usually is self limited-will gradually go away itslef in around 6 months. If you do the valsalva maneuver it may heal faster.
2) If it is Otitis Externa, you may need to use those drops for at least 1 week. Do you have pain when you press the earlobe? If that is the case, I would say use the swimmers drops 3-4 times/day, using around 3-4 drops.
So, to summarize, my suggestion would be to consider doing an ear examination to your family doctor, which according to what he will see, may give suggestion of one of the treatments mentioned above.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications or questions. I will be happy to answer.
Regards,
Otitis externa or an ottitis media with effusion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM,
I read carefully your question and understand your concern.
What you are describing its seems either like a external Otitis or a Otitis media with effusion.
The treatment for both of them is different and what would differentiate is one or the other is an examination with the Otoscope(preferrably by ENT specialist).
1) If it is an otitis with effusion, you can try doing the valsalva maneuver (close your mouth, pinch your nose shut while pressing out as if blowing up a balloon). Do it several times/day, because it will open a communication between the ear and the throat, and will drain the fluid in your ear. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do for this type of problem. It usually is self limited-will gradually go away itslef in around 6 months. If you do the valsalva maneuver it may heal faster.
2) If it is Otitis Externa, you may need to use those drops for at least 1 week. Do you have pain when you press the earlobe? If that is the case, I would say use the swimmers drops 3-4 times/day, using around 3-4 drops.
So, to summarize, my suggestion would be to consider doing an ear examination to your family doctor, which according to what he will see, may give suggestion of one of the treatments mentioned above.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications or questions. I will be happy to answer.
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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