Introduction:
Fluid in the middle ear, which is known as serous otitis media, can build up due to middle ear infection, sinus infection, viral infections, allergies, and acid reflux. It can be painful and cause difficulty in hearing. But there are a few ways to drain the fluid from the middle ear, that can be done at home, and they include applying a warm compress, steam inhalation, popping the ear, and the Valsalva maneuver. Some over-the-counter medicines may also be useful. This condition is mainly seen in children in association with a middle ear infection. The fluid in the ear usually resolves on its own, but some cases may require consultation with a doctor, which is also mentioned in the article.
How to Drain Fluid From the Middle Ear?
The following are the methods to drain fluid from the middle ear:
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Pop the Ear - There is a tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat called the eustachian tube so that the fluid from the middle ear naturally drains to the throat through this tube. But in case of an infection or other conditions, the tube swells, and thus, the fluid cannot drain as it normally does, which will cause the fluid to back up.
Popping the ear can help to open the eustachian tube, which will allow the fluid to drain. The simplest way to pop the ears is by yawning, chewing, or swallowing. The other way to pop open the ear is called the Valsalva maneuver.
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Take a deep breath and hold it.
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Gently pinch the nose shut.
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Slowly and gently exhale through the nose.
There will be a pop sound when the eustachian tube opens.
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Vacuum - If the ear does not open with the above technique, then do the following:
Cup the hand over the ear so that the palm covers the entire ear. Then press the palm over the ear so that it creates a seal. After that, with gentle movement, move the palm in and out so as to create a pulsatile vacuum in the ear. So, when pressing the palm in, pressure will be felt in the ear. Then there will be a pop sound when the eustachian tube opens.
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Saltwater Gargle - Doctors mostly recommend gargling with saltwater, which can help to drain fluid from the ears. There are several advantages to this like the saltwater will help to soothe and shrink the swollen tissue and help to resolve throat pain which may cause earaches. Apart from that, as the eustachian tube is connected to the back of the throat, a saltwater gargle will resolve the swelling and allow the fluid trapped to drain. Also, the saltwater gargle will also help to pop open the ears and allow the water to drain. For saltwater gargle, add a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water and stir to dissolve the salt in the water. Take a mouthful of saltwater, keep the throat closed, and tilt the head back. Gargle for 30 seconds to one minute.
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Eardrops - The idea of introducing fluid into the ear may seem to contradict, but it will resolve the condition. One can use over-the-counter medicines for this.
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Mucus Thinning Medications - This will help to drain the fluid from the ear by thinning the mucus in the body. Take a product with Guaifenesin only and take the medication as mentioned by the manufacturer’s directions. They may come in many forms, like tablets, which need to be taken every four hours, and extended-release tablets which need to be taken every 12 hours. Check for the composition carefully, as Guaifenesin is mostly combined with other medications, such as cough suppressants, antihistamines, and decongestants.
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Steroid Nasal Spray - Manage any underlying allergies, as they can also affect the ear. Over-the-counter nasal steroids can help to open the eustachian tube and help to drain the fluid from the ear. They work by reducing the inflammation in the nose, which will help to drain fluid from the eustachian tube. But it may take up to a few days to show its effect.
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Decongestants - Nasal sprays or oral medications containing decongestants are available for purchase over-the-counter at pharmacies. Also, follow the instructions provided on their label. The nasal decongestants should not be used for more than three consecutive days. Their long-term usage has shown rebound swelling of the nasal passages. There may be other side effects in children, like hyperactivity, restlessness, and insomnia. Consult a doctor before taking nasal decongestants.
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Oral Antihistamines - Oral antihistamines might be useful for some people for cleaning a sinus infection as they can ease nasal congestion. But there are some serious side effects of oral antihistamines for the sinus, like drying up of the mucous membranes and thickening of the secretions from the nose. So before taking antihistamines, consult a doctor to find out whether they will be useful for the condition. Also, it is advised to treat uncomplicated sinusitis or ear infections. Confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, moodiness, or overstimulation are some other side effects of antihistamines.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever - Some doctors might also suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to help ease the pain and discomfort. But follow the instructions mentioned on the label of the medicine.
When to See the Doctor?
If serous otitis media is left untreated, it can cause bone and cartilage damage and hearing loss. If the home treatment is not helping with the condition or there are symptoms that are mentioned below, then consult a healthcare provider.
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Pain inside the ear increases when touching the outer ear.
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A sensation that the ear is blocked or full.
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Pus drainage from the ear.
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Foul smell from the ear.
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Limited hearing.
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Severe pain that may spread to the face, neck, or side of the head.
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Swollen lymph nodes in the upper neck, or around the ear.
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Redness or swelling of the skin around the ear.
The healthcare provider will ask about the symptoms and examine the ear, looking for redness and swelling in the ear canal. They may take samples in case of drainage from the ear.
Conclusion:
There may be drainage from the ear in many medical conditions, among which the common cause for this is the middle ear infections, which can result in blockage of the eustachian tube, and hence the fluid in middle ear gets trapped. There are many ways to help drain the fluid from the ear at home, but if it does not work, it is better to consult a specialist for the condition.