Adenoids and fluid in the ears do not cause much concern at first, but after a while, if the “breeding ground” of infection is not eliminated, it can cause significant damage. The substance itself accumulates in the Eustachian tubes, as a result of which the microbial environment grows in scale and reaches the adenoids.
Sometimes the water is removed on its own, as if it “resolves.” But there are difficult cases when surgical intervention may be required. If you take appropriate measures in time, there is a chance to avoid radical treatment.
Adenoids in a child
Adenoids are the left and right tonsils. They are also called tonsils. They form a lymph ring, which provides protection against bacteria. Adenoids are the first and most persistent “warrior”. This is where the main “attack” of microbes occurs. If the infection has penetrated further, then this already indicates a strong impact of viruses on the body.
Most adenoid problems occur when the body's resistance is reduced. This is affected by the appearance of fluid that accumulates in the ear and promotes the growth of bacteria. As a result, an unfavorable environment “grows” in the ear and throat area, which constantly “hardens” the strength of the immune system. This is why inflammatory diseases arise, often developing into a chronic form.
A neglected runny nose, an untreated chronic cough, damaged and weakened tonsils - all this contributes to the multiplication of viruses and the spread of mucus throughout the nasopharynx and ear canals. Next, the separated liquid accumulates, forming a pathogenic environment. Once in the ear compartments, it stagnates. In this regard, it is extremely important to promptly treat all diseases of the respiratory tract and ears.
Regular monitoring of the condition of the adenoids, respiratory tract and nasopharynx leads to timely action. Thanks to the above, the likelihood of harmful fluid occurring in the ear space is reduced.
Symptoms
Feeling of "gurgling" in the ears.
Fluid in the ear in most cases is a precursor to otitis media. Only a doctor can determine its location at the location with unconditional confidence. But there are a number of signs that confirm its presence in the ear canal by more than sixty percent.
Attention: independent study of symptoms is not a reason to postpone a visit to a specialist! And especially do not experiment with self-medication. Ignoring these factors is fraught with unpleasant consequences.
The presence of water in the ear canal is confirmed by the following symptoms:
- a feeling that water is gurgling in the ear canal;
- congestion (then “blocks”, then again excellent audibility);
- hearing loss;
- leakage of water or viscous liquid from the ear;
- leakage of fluid and pus.
All of these manifestations indicate that something is wrong with the ear. Except, of course, when water gets in by accident after swimming.
The main and most common symptoms are a stuffy ear, a feeling that there is something interfering inside, as well as gurgling sounds.
If you find at least one of the listed options, then it is highly likely that there is a foreign liquid inside.
Each case is considered individually and the nature of the manifestations looks unique, but in general the overall picture encourages you to seek help from a professional, because any delay can lead to the growth of the inflammatory process.
Ways to remove water from the ear
Now let's look at methods for removing liquid:
- Tilt your head towards the ear where the water got in. Then you need to close the auricle with your palm. Then you should press it and release it with a jerk. This way the water will come out.
- Lie on your side for a few minutes to allow the fluid to drain from your ear.
- If simple measures do not help, drop a few drops of boric alcohol into the ear. It promotes rapid evaporation of water. Lie on your side for 5 minutes with the affected ear facing up.
- Water exposure can cause earwax to swell. In this case, use a warm heating pad. When exposed to heat, the water will evaporate.
- The air lock prevents fluid from leaving the ear. Therefore, it is necessary to drip ordinary water into it. Then you should wait two to three minutes. Then, tilting your head to the side, wait until the water pushes out the air lock. Then the fluid will flow out of the ear.
- A method for removing water for small children. It is necessary to carefully insert a cotton swab into the ear for a few seconds. Then the water will be absorbed into the cotton wool.
Causes
Otitis media.
Among the significant number of explanations for the occurrence of fluid in the ear, the most basic are:
- head injuries;
- acute inflammation of the adenoids;
- all types of rhinitis and sinusitis;
- inflammatory process of the spinal cord with the release of pus;
- acute eye diseases;
- impaired lung function;
- neoplasms in the auricle;
- dermatitis, including seborrheic;
- stagnation of water in the ear canal;
- otitis, especially purulent;
- immune system disorders;
- all kinds of allergies;
- acute inflammation of the eardrum.
A special place is given to otitis media. A disease accompanied by purulent discharge is especially dangerous.
Out of control inflammation can very quickly spread to neighboring parts of the head, causing a severe attack on the immune system.
As a result of active struggle, fluid is separated, which “settles” in the ear canal.
That is why it is recommended to strictly monitor all symptoms of otitis media and visit a doctor in a timely manner, otherwise hospitalization is possible. In any case, caution will not hurt here, but will only provide insurance.
The appearance of pathological changes
Pathological causes include inflammation of the middle part of the organ without damage to the membrane, such as otitis media in the acute stage. During the inflammatory process, exudate often occurs in the middle part. Exudate is an accumulation of fluid due to pathologically changed tissues.
In fact, this is the stage of the inflammatory process when the exudative level increases and a feeling of fluid in the ears is formed. A normal drum film does not allow it to come out.
The reason is the formation of cerumen plug; it is a block that prevents water from leaving the ear. The pathological condition provokes the appearance of otitis media and a sharp decrease in hearing acuity.
Treatment
Before carrying out treatment, the doctor carries out a number of examinations, including sending the patient for tests. In this case, the composition of the fluid located in the ear is also studied, and the condition of the tonsils and nasopharynx is examined. All details are important and nothing should be overlooked.
If it turns out that two ears are bothering you at once, but only one is treated, then the whole process will need to be repeated again. In some cases, the doctor prescribes antibiotics.
Medication
Any medication must be prescribed by a doctor.
If an inflammatory process is detected in the ear space, then the most effective remedies are prescribed.
The table below provides a rating of the fastest-acting and high-quality drugs.
But in any case, you should never self-medicate; this can lead to irreparable consequences. The dosage will be determined by the doctor individually.
| Anauran | Zambon, Italy |
| Sofradex | France |
| Otinum | Poland |
Each medicine must be selected by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and the general picture of the disease. Treatment should be carried out strictly according to the prescribed dose of the drug.
The specialist also prescribes a course of antibiotics. And then a re-examination is carried out and other additional procedures are prescribed, for example, warming up.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is prescribed only under certain conditions. The fact is that not all patients will benefit equally. For some, this option is strictly contraindicated.
Surgery
In some cases, when all of the above types of solutions to the problem did not have the desired effect, a specialist prescribes an additional examination, and then a decision is made to artificially “pump out” the fluid.
This can only be done with the help of a catheter, which is surgically inserted into the ear canal. This device allows you to remove accumulated water from the ear canal. After which the auxiliary element is removed.
It is important to remember that surgery is the last and most radical option for the development of events. If possible, everything should be done to do without it. But if the medication method does not lead to the desired result for a long time, then you should not delay the issue; any delay can only worsen the disease.
Otitis media: what not to do
The discharge of clear fluid from the ear, not accompanied by pain, indicates the presence of inflammation.
In this case you cannot:
- warming up the sore ear or applying warm compresses if a purulent process has begun, this is dangerous;
- instill oil or oil mixtures; if the eardrum is damaged, the oil will be inside;
- use camphor alcohol, as you can get a burn to the ear cavity, and this will complicate the course of the disease;
- insert foreign objects into the ear for the purpose of treatment (suppositories, leaves of medicinal plants), as this can only worsen the condition.
Let us highlight four main mistakes that should never be made:
- use a hairdryer. So you will only cause yourself a burn;
- try to remove the wax plug with a cotton swab. This may damage the eardrum. This adaptation sometimes leads to skin damage;
- use earplugs for children;
- Place hot alcohol in your ear. This can also cause burns.
Prevention
Regular visits to the doctor will help avoid the development of various ENT diseases.
It is equally important to follow the preventive instructions of specialists. Important adherence to the following measures is recommended:
- timely treatment of rhinitis, otitis and tonsillitis;
- avoiding cold bodies of water, in particular swimming in them;
- avoiding drafts and hypothermia;
- Regular visits to the doctor for examination and testing if necessary.
Take care of your health today, tomorrow your body will thank you. It is always easier to prevent many diseases than to treat advanced variants and deal with the consequences.
Take care of your health from a young age
Adenoids, ears and nose are the three most important pillars of maintaining immunity. Maintaining them in pristine condition helps create powerful health protection.
The fact is that everything in our body is interconnected. Inflammation, igniting in one part of the head, can penetrate into other parts of the nasopharynx. This process often happens so quickly that those who turn to the doctor late harm themselves, destroying their immunity, making the disease chronic.
It all starts with an ordinary noise in the ear or a sore throat, and gradually develops into an acute disease, which in some cases can only be cured by surgery.
Be vigilant, seek advice on time, do not get too cold and carefully monitor the timely follow-up treatment of colds.
Rate:
I’m not a fan of questioning doctor’s prescriptions, but I was puzzled by something here.
Two weeks ago, my 6-year-old son and I visited our ENT specialist with a complaint of a sharp decrease in hearing and a persistent runny nose. It turned out to be bilateral otitis with fluid in the ears. They prescribed an antibiotic, an antihistamine and nasal drops. We were treated for a week. My hearing returned and my runny nose almost went away. Yesterday we went to the doctor again to get it checked. It turned out that during this time everything remained unchanged - there was fluid, the adenoids were enlarged. They prescribed the same antibiotic again, but for two weeks, a stronger antihistamine and Pulmicort nasal drops. Moreover, over the past two days, the child’s atopic dermatitis has suddenly worsened sharply - his hands have turned red and the skin on his knuckles has cracked. I’m in slight shock - his blood pressure hasn’t bothered him for 4 years. The doctor said that all this bullshit happened because of the adenoids.
Questions for the audience: if the antibiotic did nothing in two weeks, shouldn’t it have been necessary to prescribe another drug? or just need more time? and if this fluid does not resolve, then surgery, right? All these nasal drops with cortisone, aren’t they very harmful for a 6 year old child? Is it true that blood pressure is getting worse due to adenoids and what should I do now, switch to a diet and moisturizing emulsions? maybe go to another doctor for a second opinion? In short, who had this and what did you do? Thanks a lot
anonymously
Hello! A child (boy, 2 years old) is referred for adenotomy and ear drainage. The examination was carried out using a very thin rod that was inserted into the oral cavity. The ears were examined with the same rod. We didn't look at the nose. The doctor said that the pharyngeal tonsil is very large, there is fluid behind the barium membrane, which probably reduces the child’s hearing. Surgery was prescribed (adenotomy + drainage). At the time of examination by an ENT specialist, the child had a residual runny nose, which began a week before the examination (without fever or any general changes in health status). We live in Norway, physiotherapy and conservative treatment are not practiced here. I do not criticize the doctor's decision at all. The fact is that in the summer we will go to Russia and we will have the opportunity to see specialists there and, perhaps, begin conservative treatment. So the question is: Can we afford a 4 month wait? Of particular concern is fluid in the ear, which can lead to irreversible changes and hearing impairment. I would not like to do drainage, because... In the summer we plan to actively swim in “dirty ponds”
