The ear on the left is normal and does not have an infection. The ear on the right shows what an infection can look like. The infected fluid in the middle ear causes the eardrum to bulge. Normally, fluid in the middle ear drains into the throat through a tube called the "eustachian tube. " � But during an infection, swelling blocks off the tube, so fluid builds up.
Graphic 54739 Version 7.0
View Originalfigure 1Ear infection (otitis media)
The ear on the left is normal and does not have an infection. The ear on the right shows what an infection can look like. The infected fluid in the middle ear causes the eardrum to bulge. Normally, fluid in the middle ear drains into the throat through a tube called the "eustachian tube. " � But during an infection, swelling blocks off the tube, so fluid builds up.
Graphic 54739 Version 7.0
View OriginalSurgery to treat fluid in the ear (tympanostomy tube)
This surgery might be done when fluid in the middle ear does not go away. This treatment can also be used to prevent more ear infections in children who get them a lot. The figure on the left shows an eardrum before the tube is inserted. The figure on the right shows fluid draining from the middle ear after the tube has been placed in the eardrum.
Graphic 67163 Version 10.0
View Originalfigure 2Surgery to treat fluid in the ear (tympanostomy tube)
This surgery might be done when fluid in the middle ear does not go away. This treatment can also be used to prevent more ear infections in children who get them a lot. The figure on the left shows an eardrum before the tube is inserted. The figure on the right shows fluid draining from the middle ear after the tube has been placed in the eardrum.
Graphic 67163 Version 10.0
View Original