My child has middle ear fluid. How is that treated?
Treatment options include observation and tube surgery or adenoid surgery. Because a treatment that works for one child may not work for another, your child's doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your child and when you should see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. If one treatment doesn't work, another treatment can be tried. Ask your child's doctor or ENT specialist about the costs, advantages, and disadvantages of each treatment.
When should middle ear fluid be treated?
Your child is more likely to need treatment for middle ear fluid if she has any of the following:
- Conditions placing her at risk for developmental delays
- Fluid in both ears, especially if present more than 3 months
- Hearing loss or other significant symptoms
What treatments are not recommended?
A number of treatments are not recommended for young children with middle ear fluid.
Medicines not recommended include antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, and steroids (by mouth or in nasal sprays). All of these have side effects and do not cure middle ear fluid.
Surgical treatments not recommended include myringotomy (draining of fluid without placing a tube) and tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils). If your child's doctor or ENT specialist suggests one of these surgeries, it may be for another medical reason. Ask your doctor why your child needs the surgery.
Other treatment options
There is no evidence that complementary and alternative medicine treatments or that treatment for allergies works to decrease middle ear fluid. Some of these treatments may be harmful and many are expensive.