tympanic effusion – causes, symptoms & therapy

A tympanic effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the tympanic cavity of the middle ear. Whether this liquid is viscous or thin depends on the underlying disease.

The auditory tube or tube represents the connection between the ear, nose and throat area and the tympanic cavity, while the eardrum seals the tympanic cavity from the auditory canal.

If the ventilation of the ear via the tube is disturbed, tympanic effusion can occur. A tympanic effusion is one of the most common diseases of childhood, which is estimated to occur in about nine out of ten children aged 0-8 years. Hearing loss is often associated with tympanic effusion, especially in children.

causes

A tympanic effusion can have very different causes. In children it is often the case that the ear tube, which regulates the ventilation of the ear, is not yet working properly. If there are enlarged tonsils or polyps at the same time , the already poorly functioning ventilation of the middle ear can be further impaired. This favors the development of a tympanic effusion.In addition, tympanic effusions often occur as a side effect of colds, as this also disrupts the ventilation of the ear and increases the formation of mucus. In general, obstructed nasal breathing and the resulting poorer ventilation of the ear has a negative effect on the development of tympanic effusions.

Large pressure fluctuations can also cause tympanic effusions. If there are anatomical peculiarities such as tumorous changes in the ear, nose and throat area, nasal polyps or a cleft lip and palate, these also increase the risk of tympanic effusion.

symptoms and course

In children, tympanic effusion usually manifests itself as hearing loss in both ears. There is also a feeling of pressure in the ears, which can also be a symptom of tympanic effusion in adults. A feeling of dizziness often occurs in connection with a tympanic effusion and pain in the head area or earache are not uncommon.

In most cases, the tympanic effusion disappears on its own within a few days or weeks. In chronic cases, the tympanic effusion lasts longer than three months and may require surgical treatment. The older children get, the better the ventilation of the ear via the auditory tube works and the lower the risk of suffering from a tympanic effusion.

Diagnose

If there is a suspicion of a tympanic effusion, the ENT doctor examines the ear with the help of an otoscopy. With this examination method, he can look at the middle ear and see from the condition of the eardrum whether there are problems with the pressure equalization in the ear. The specialist can also detect fluid accumulations, which typically occur with tympanic effusion, during an otoscopy.

Another examination option is the eardrum mobility measurement, which the doctor can use to provide information about the pressure conditions in the middle ear. You can also take a hearing test to test your hearing ability. Since tympanic effusions often occur in connection with colds, an examination of the throat or nasal cavity can provide information about the presence of a tympanic effusion.

treatment and therapy

In the case of an acute tympanic effusion, most ear, nose and throat doctors advise waiting and waiting. Treatment with expectorant drugs is controversial, some doctors even consider them counterproductive. Others recommend these medications to help clear the mucus out of the ear as quickly as possible.

If a child or an adult suffers from the signs described above, an ear, nose and throat doctor should always be consulted, because only he can assess whether the tympanic effusion needs treatment.In many cases, the tympanic effusion resolves on its own; if this is not the case, in the worst case an operation may even be necessary to determine the cause of the tympanic effusion and to eliminate it. In children, this is often done with the help of a small incision in the eardrum, through which the fluid from the tympanic effusion can be suctioned out.

In many children who are often affected by a tympanic effusion, so-called tympanic tubes (tympanic drains) are inserted into the eardrum to ensure that the fluid can drain better in the future, so that a tympanic effusion does not occur in the first place.

Suspected tympanic effusion should be investigated, especially in children, because the reduced hearing can otherwise lead to developmental disorders in the language area. Early treatment of the tympanic effusion is essential in this case.

prevention

Preventing a tympanic effusion is difficult. Some doctors advise taking certain herbs or expectorant medications to prevent tympanic discharge when you have a cold. For children who have often had a tympanic effusion, tympanic tubes are recommended to prevent the development of a tympanic effusion.