On Glue Ear causes and risk factors

On Glue Ear causes and risk factors

The Glue ear is a condition in which the middle ear fills with glue-like fluid. The condition is more common in children than in adults. The fluid dampens sound waves, or the vibrations of the tiny bones in the middle ear. The glue like liquid decreases sound transfer to the inner ear and leads to muffled hearing. The fluid accumulation usually resolves on its own. Occasionally, however, it persists and causes hearing, speech and language problems.

Eustachian Tube Blockage

Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and help to drain fluids from the ear. In normal situation Air is present in the middle ear. When the tube becomes blocked, a vacuum is created in the middle ear. The lining of the middle ear becomes inflamed and larger then normal amount of liquid is secreted into the middle ear. Due to the blockage, this fluid cannot drain, and eventually the fluid becomes thick and glue-like. According to the National Institutes of Health, allergies can cause the Eustachian tube to swell. Exposure to smoke, repeated upper respiratory tract infections and rapid pressure changes during flight also cause the tube to become blocked.

Reoccurring Infections

Children have shorter and wider Eustachian tubes, which are less effective in their function and it is easier for germs to enter the middle ear. Because of this, children are more likely to develop ear infections than adults. After an episode of ear infection, fluid in the middle ear persists. In addition, children will be more prone to frequent colds. Extra mucous made due to a cold builds up and cannot drain. That mucous builds up in the middle ear, resulting in more fluid.

Adenoids lymph

Children have lymph tissue at the back of nose called adenoids. When these get big due to repeated colds, they can block the Eustachian tube and result in fluid.

More Risk Factors

Glue ear occurs more often in winter and early spring. Children that are in daily contact with other children are prone to developing the condition because they contract colds and frequent ear infections from other children; these infections can result in glue ear. Breast-feeding helps protect against glue ear, according to published articles; drinking bottled milk, on the other hand, can increase the likelihood of developing an ear infection due to poor immunity. Glue ear is also more likely in children from poor families, possibly due to crowded living conditions that can increase risk of infection, articles say. According to the Cleft Lip and Palate Association, children with cleft palates are also more prone to the condition. The Eustachian tube-- which is normally opened by the palate muscles--does not function properly in those with cleft palate, which can lead to glue ear.

taken from: https://www.livestrong.com