About this topic
The Eustachian tube allows fluid to drain from the middle ear. Sometimes, fluid cannot drain from the tube. This may cause an acute or chronic problem known as serous otitis media. An acute problem is one that does not last for a long time. Acute serous media is often caused by an infection or allergy. A chronic problem is one that lasts for a long time. Chronic serous otitis media may happen when there is a long-lasting block in the tube. Sometimes, the fluid is too thick to drain from the tube. ‚
This problem may go away on its own without treatment. Other times, the fluid may become infected. You may have ear infections more often. You may not be able to hear as well. Your ears may feel like they are full. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Use a heating pad or warm water bottle on the ear to help ease the pain. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your ear for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Ask your doctor if you should wear earplugs while swimming.
- Do not put anything in the ear unless told by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Have ear and hearing tests done regularly as ordered by your doctor.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs based on what problems you are having. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Treat an allergy
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection could come back
- Loss of hearing
- Problems with speech
- Scarring on the eardrum
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you smoke, quit. Do not go near people who smoke.
- Stay away from people who have colds.
- If you have allergies, make sure you are treated for them.
- Wash your hands often.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain.
- Signs get worse
- You feel pain and there is redness of the bone behind your ear
- Drugs you are taking are not working for you
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, ear pain, or redness and pain behind my ear.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Earaches.cfm ‚
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ‚
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/staticresources/health/healthyhearing/tools/pdf/OtitisMedia.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚