Glue ear

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Glue ear

Healthylife Pharmacy7 May 2014|3 min read

Glue ear, medically Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) or Mucoid Otitis Media, is a chronic or acute inflammatory, condition of the middle ear. It is characterized by non-infectious liquid collecting in the middle ear and with an intact ear drum. The fluid is described as a glue-like substance. It is often a result after repeated episodes of ear infections and frequently occurs in children.

Glue hear may last for months. It can reduce hearing, and have an effect on speech, learning and behaviour.

Why children are more prone to glue ear?

Children tent to be more prone to upper respiratory conditions due to immaturity of their respiratory and immune systems and anatomical development.

The Eustachian tube is a tube connection the nasal/pharynx to the middle ear. Its role is to equalize pressure on both sides of the ear drum, ensuring pressure does not build up in the ear, and ventilate and drain mucous from the middle ear.  The Eustachian tube is usually flattened and opens upon swallowing or with passive pressure (the pressure you feel on an airplane). This tube in children is narrow and short and, due to the position of the ears on a childs head, points across towards the ear instead of upwards. The position of the ears change as the head grows larger. 


Air is delivered continuously from the nasal pharynx to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube. Interruption of this ventilation process due to obstruction can cause a inflammatory cascade which result in  interruption to the normal ciliary clearance and a effusion of liquid in the tympanic cavity (middle ear).

Upper respiratory infections in children are often due to the inept flow of mucus fluids in the nasal and middle ear passages resulting in bacterial infection, or in the case of glue ear, a build-up and blockage of the fluid secretions.

In infections or allergy, the Eustachian tube and associated mucous membranes can swell and due to this tube is shorter, narrower and straighter, this causes the drainage of fluid to be impeded. This can put children and infants in greater risk of infection of the middle ear.

Factors which may result in glue ear

  • Age. Children aged between 2-5 years.
  • Male sex
  • Upper airways infections
  • Infection. Bacterial or/and viral middle ear infections
  • Day-care attendance/Older siblings
  • Tobacco smoke exposure
  • Preterm or low-birth weight babies
  • Adenoid hypertrophy (enlarged adenoids)
  • Craniofacial abnormalities
  • Atopy (eczema, allergy)
  • Reflux

Gastric reflux disease. There may be a link to chronic OME and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease thought due to inflammation, oedema and ulceration resulting in dysfunction of the Eustachian tube from exposure to gastric juices.


Allergic rhinitis was found to be associated with otitis media effusion occurring in children over the ages of 6 years. Allergy may not only be responsible for inflammation of the middle ear, it can also increase susceptibility to infection of the respiratory tract and middle ear.

Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM), is a stubborn form of otitis media with the presents of highly viscous (glue-like) yellow effusion in which eosinophils are present.  

EOM is a condition found to affect asthmatics but easily resolved when asthma is well managed with the right treatment.

Signs and symptoms

  • Hearing loss. The fluid within the ear dampening the vibrations from the eardrum. Your child ignoring you may be from a lack of hearing you, they may speak loudly or have the volume up high on the TV, etc.
  • Balance issues
  • Sleep issues
  • Pain or pressure in the ear
  • Irritability
  • Hearing loss can affect learning and speech

In some cases there are no symptoms.

Diagnosis of glue ear

The doctor can diagnose glue ear by looking in the ear through an otoscope. Not all cases of glue ear will be accompanied by infection. The doctor may also suggest a hearing test.

Acute care and chronic of glue ear

In some instances, the glue ear will resolve on its own. If an infection suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed. In cases of hearing loss or in chronic glue ear, surgery may be suggested to insert grommets. These are tubes which drain the fluid from the middle ear.

Natural Therapies

The residual inflammation and effusion after an ear infection can cause reoccurring infections, the end result being a chronic condition of fluid in the ear. Treating the acute condition with infection fighting, mucous reducing and immune supporting herbs can help.

Saline. Nasal saline rinses or sprays are a non-medicated way of loosening and thinning nasal congestion.

Herbal Medicine

Excess mucous in the nose or throat, choose Eyebright, Elder flower, ground Ivy Golden rod and Golden seal.

Immune support include Echinacea, Andrographis, Pelargonium sidoides and Astragalus.

Allergy - anti-allergic herbs include Baical skullcap and Albizia.

Nutrients


Vitamin D. Increasing vitamin D levels was associated with lower risks of glue ear.

Zinc is important for optimal functioning of the immune system and resistance to infection.

Probiotics. Supporting the immune system with probiotic has been found to reduce the incidences of common and acute infection, eliminating the need for antibiotics. Choose a good quality probiotic with
acidophilus and Bifidobacterium strains.

Don’t forget the basics

Whether the cause be from allergy or immunity, support the body with the following suggestions.

Plenty of rest. Little bodies put lots of energy into growing.

Good food. Not always easy with littles ones, but insist on fruit and vegetables in their diet. Protein is the building block of the immune system, include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, soy-based products, legumes, ground nuts and seeds. Baked beans on wholegrain bread. Omelette, meat rissoles, sushi rolls, spinach and ricotta puffs for some example. Fish is particularly good as it helps with inflammation. Include garlic for its wonderful antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Try crushed garlic in olive oil spread on wholegrain toast or on bread and toasted under the grill. Raw garlic is more therapeutic than cooked.

Avoid inflammatory foods. Some foods have been associated with ear inflammation; these include foods high in sugar.

Avoid excess salt. High salt intake can cause fluctuations in the fluid in the ear which may aggravate symptoms.

Do not smoke near children.

Clean, fresh air where possible.  Use an ionizing humidifier to reduce airborne particles and bacteria and aid  breathing.

Encourage good hygiene practices. Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after visits to the bathroom and before eating.

Avoid known allergens. Gluten containing foods, dairy products, nuts are some foods eaten regularly which your child might be allergic to contributing to chronic ear infections. An IgG food sensitivity test can show any food allergy, food intolerance or food sensitivity. Replacing cows milk with goats milk will often show positive results.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5684754/ Otitis media with effusion and atopy: is there a causal relationship?

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/glue-ear

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustachian_tube

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets/ears-glue-ear-and-grommets

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Ear_infections_and_Otitis_media/

Higher serum 25(OH)D concentration is associated with lower risk of chronic otitis media with effusion: a case-control study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28477429

Fisher, Carole; 2009, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS, Vitex Medica, New Zealand.

https://www.cochrane.org/CD006639/ARI_zinc-supplements-for-preventing-middle-ear-infections

Does probiotic consumption reduce antibiotic utilization for common acute infections? A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30219897

Saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29932206

https://www.livestrong.com/article/308279-ion-humidifier-vs-ultrasonic-humidifier/