Otitis Exudative (Glue Ear)

Otitis exudative, also known as “Glue Ear,” is a common middle ear disease that is most often seen in children. This disease is characterized by the accumulation of viscous fluid in the middle ear, which leads to hearing loss or deafness.

The main cause of exudative otitis media is underdevelopment of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is a canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and performs an important function - balancing pressure in the ear and the environment, as well as removing excess fluid and mucus from the middle ear. If the Eustachian tube is underdeveloped or clogged, then the fluid secreted by the mucous membrane cannot leave the middle ear, begins to accumulate there and causes symptoms of exudative otitis media.

Symptoms of otitis media may include hearing loss, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear, pain in the ear, and sometimes even a prolonged fever. In general, the disease goes away on its own, but in some cases, if symptoms do not go away on their own, treatment may be required.

Treatment for otitis media may include surgically cutting the eardrum (myringotomy), draining fluid from the middle ear, and inserting a tube into it. Myringotomy is a procedure performed under general anesthesia that involves cutting the eardrum to remove accumulated fluid from the middle ear. The introduction of a tube prevents the re-accumulation of fluid in the ear and ensures its normal outflow into the nasopharynx.

Etitis media can greatly affect a person's quality of life, especially if the disease lasts for a long time. It is important to see your doctor if you or your child has symptoms of otitis media to get a diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment.

Otitis exudative or sticky ear

Otitis exudative or “gummy” ear is a common condition in which viscous fluid accumulates in the middle ear, which can lead to hearing loss and deafness. The most dangerous thing is that it often occurs in children, often due to an underdeveloped eustachian tube, which does not allow liquid and thick mucous to penetrate between the tympanic cavity and the nasal cavity. If left untreated, otitis media can cause serious hearing problems for the child's entire life. Here's what you need to know about this disease, as well as treatment and prevention methods for otitis media.

Symptoms and causes

Although otitis exudative occurs most often in young children, the disease can develop at all ages. As a rule, in most adults who suffer from this disease throughout their lives, otitis media is accompanied by

Otitis Exudative (Glue Ear): Causes, symptoms and treatment

Otitis media, also known as Glue Ear, is a common condition that can lead to hearing loss and ear health problems. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment methods for exudative otitis media.

Otitis media is a condition in which a viscous fluid known as exudate accumulates in the middle ear. This fluid can cause pressure on the eardrum and middle ear structures, leading to decreased hearing and possible deafness. Most often, exudative otitis media is observed in children, especially toddlers and preschool children, due to underdevelopment of the eustachian tube. However, this condition can also occur in adults.

Symptoms of otitis exudative can vary, and their severity may depend on the degree of hearing loss. Some of the common signs and symptoms include:

1. Hearing loss: This is one of the most common symptoms of otitis exudative. Patients may have difficulty perceiving sounds and distinguishing speech. In children, this can lead to problems with speech development and learning.

2. Feeling of fullness in the ear: Many people with otitis exudative feel pressure or fullness in the ear due to the presence of accumulated fluid.

3. Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections: People with otitis media may often suffer from recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, such as a runny nose and congestion.

4. Speech and developmental delays in children: Children suffering from otitis exudative may experience delays in speech development and learning.

If you or your child suspect otitis media, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may examine your ear using a special instrument called an otoscope and may recommend audiometry to evaluate the extent of your hearing loss.

Treatment for otitis exudative depends on many factors, including the patient's age, the degree of hearing loss, and the presence of associated problems. In most cases, exudative otitis media recovers on its own over time, especially in children. However, in some cases medical intervention may be required.

One of the methods of treating exudative otitis is myringotomy - a surgical incision of the eardrum. During this procedure, the doctor creates a small hole in the eardrum to remove accumulated fluid from the middle ear. A tube (drainage tube) may then be inserted into the eardrum to provide additional ventilation and prevent fluid from re-accumulating. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.

Other treatments for otitis media include conservative approaches such as anti-inflammatory medications, saline nasal rinses to relieve nasal congestion, and control of upper respiratory tract infections. In some cases, the use of antibiotics may be recommended.

It is important to note that each case of otitis exudative is unique, and treatment must be individualized. The decision on the treatment method is made by the doctor based on the symptoms, examination results and the characteristics of each patient.

In conclusion, Glue Ear is a common condition that can cause hearing loss and ear health problems. It is most often observed in children due to underdevelopment of the eustachian tube, but can also occur in adults. Treatment of exudative otitis may include surgical methods such as myringotomy, as well as conservative approaches, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. It is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and development of a treatment plan to prevent complications and improve the patient's quality of life.