What is Otitis Media With Effusion in Adults?
Otitis Media, also called middle ear infection, occurs when fluid from your middle ear doesn’t drain properly. The fluid accumulation behind your eardrum increases the risk of an ear infection. It’s pretty common in children, although adults can be affected too. You must see an ENT specialist in Navi Mumbai if you have a middle ear infection.
The infection is more likely to occur in children, as they have narrower eustachian tubes, which drain the fluid from the ear. Sore throat, cold, and cough might cause otitis media in kids and adults. Here’s all you should know about it.
Causes of Otitis Media With Effusion in Adults
Otitis Media is caused by a blocked eustachian tube, a canal that connects your middle ear to the throat. It drains fluid from the middle ear and balances the air pressure between the atmosphere and your ear.
This tube can get blocked for various reasons, resulting in the accumulation of fluid inside your ear. When that happens, the fluid creates a perfect environment for the bacteria and viruses to grow. This can lead to middle ear infection.
The most common causes of Otitis Media are colds, allergies, and respiratory issues that might cause nasal and eustachian tube congestion. Some children are born with blocked or restricted eustachian tubes. Flying in the plane or drinking fluids when lying down can also temporarily block your eustachian tubes.
Symptoms of Otitis Media With Effusion in Adults
Otitis Media may or may not produce any symptoms. It depends on the level of blockage. Symptoms usually vary from person to person. Here are the symptoms of otitis media in adults:
- The feeling of fluid accumulation in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Sore throat and cold
- Constant fluid drainage from the ear
- Hearing problems accompanied by pain
The condition might affect the patient’s balance in some cases, but that’s rare. It’s important to seek immediate Otitis Media treatment in Navi Mumbai if the above symptoms are accompanied by a high and persistent fever, swelling in the face, difficulty balancing, and extreme pain in one or both ears.
Treatment Options for Otitis Media With Effusion in Adults
Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam using an otoscope to get a clear look inside your ear. They will check if the eardrum moves normally. Tympanometry is another test that detects problems in your middle ear. Fortunately, the fluid is drained automatically within a few weeks if it’s caused by cold or allergies.
If it doesn’t clear by then, you must see a doctor. Antibiotics can help prevent bacterial infection due to fluid accumulation. You might also need to take pain-relief medication and decongestants. Surgical intervention might be needed for adults diagnosed with chronic otitis media.
Conclusion
Although Otitis Media doesn’t always indicate a critical issue, it must be checked if it lasts more than 72 hours in adults. If it remains untreated, it can cause complications, like permanent hearing loss or an infection spreading to your head.
