Could This Be Glue Ear?
My 13-year-old son, who is 5’6 and weighs 150 pounds, has been experiencing discomfort in his ear for the past three to four weeks. He has reported issues such as pain, difficulties in hearing, and a sensation that his ear is blocked. Additionally, he's noticed some crusting, along with occasional bleeding, which I suspect might be from him scratching his ear with his fingers. We have consulted two doctors, visited urgent care, and sought advice from his pediatrician. They prescribed antibiotic ear drops that he has now completed and recommended treating the condition with Debrox, which we have been using. According to their assessment, his ear appears relatively normal but may be inflamed due to his scratching. It's worth noting that he suffers from chronic rhinitis stemming from allergies. Last night, we flushed his ear with warm water, and I managed to take a photo of his eardrum. I’m beginning to wonder if this could be indicative of glue ear. I'm feeling frustrated after multiple visits, where the outcome has consistently been that there’s no significant problem. After conducting some research last night, he has resumed using Flonase and a nasal antihistamine.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 4:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your son is experiencing a range of ear discomfort symptoms, which can indeed be frustrating, especially after multiple medical evaluations. Let’s break down the situation and address your main concerns regarding glue ear and other potential causes.
Main Points:
- Your son's symptoms suggest possible inflammation or blockage in the ear canal, potentially exacerbated by allergies and scratching.
- Glue ear, or otitis media with effusion, involves fluid buildup behind the eardrum and can impact hearing, but your son's symptoms may also relate to other factors like allergies or irritation.
Explanation:
Glue ear typically occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear, leading to discomfort and hearing difficulties. However, based on your description of pain, discharge, and the recent antibiotic treatment, it's likely that inflammation from scratching or allergic reactions is contributing to his symptoms. The occasional bleeding may indicate irritation from scratching, rather than an issue related to glue ear.
Next Steps:
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Continue Allergy Management: Since your son has chronic rhinitis, it's important to keep managing his allergies effectively. Continue using Flonase as prescribed, and ensure he takes the nasal antihistamine regularly.
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Avoid Ear Irritation: Encourage him to avoid scratching his ear and to keep the area dry. Regularly inspect the ear for any signs of infection or worsening condition, but refrain from inserting anything into the ear canal.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of his symptoms, including any changes in hearing, pain levels, or discharge. This can help identify triggers and patterns. If symptoms persist or worsen, note the specifics for future medical consultations.
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Follow-Up Care: Even though previous evaluations indicated no significant issues, persistent discomfort warrants follow-up. Consider discussing the possibility of seeing an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) for a more detailed examination, especially if the symptoms do not improve with ongoing allergy treatment.
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Ear Hygiene: If you haven't already, consult with your doctor regarding safe ear cleaning methods and whether using any over-the-counter products like Debrox is appropriate given his symptoms.
I empathize with your frustration, and it’s commendable that you’re advocating for your son's health. Focusing on effective allergy management and monitoring his symptoms closely will be the best immediate steps. Please let me know if you need more guidance on any particular aspect.
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