Glue ear is common problem of the middle ear among children. Middle area is directly behind the eardrum which is made up of three tiny bones which carry sound vibrations fron eardrum to inner ear. The problem of glue occurs when eustachian tube gets blocked, it runs from middle of the ear to back of nose. This tube normally drains out mucus caused by inflammation. But in glue ear problem due to its blockage fluid start to build up.
Affects mainly Children : This prevents free movement of tiny bones in ear that causes hearing loss. This problem can be slight as well severe and affects mainly children of young age. In new study children are given a new drug called proton pump inhibitor which prevents building up of fluid behind eardrum. Old studies had shown that fluid is build up due to stomach acid reflux washes back into the ear. But proton pump inhibitor blocks the production of acid in the first place.
Surgery as Option : The treatment of glue ear is only recommended in cases where symptoms last more than three months and degree of hearing loss is so much that it interferes with development of child. To cure problem surgery is the only option that involves the insertion of a grommet. It is a small tube that drain off excess fluid and once inserted the grommet keeps the eustachin tube open for several months that allows fluid to drain away.
What causes glue ear : New study which claims the cause of glue ear is due to heartburn, could change the way of treatment. Gastro esophageal reflux disease usually occurs when acids of stomach leak back up into the esophagus, this is a tube which runs from throat to the stomach. In glue ear problem, stomach acid is washed back up the ear causing inflammation in the eustachian tube.
Clinical trail : To check clinically children from ages one to seventeen are prescribed proton pump inhibitors drugs that targets and blocks the enzyme that causes cells in the stomach lining to produce acid in the first place. ENT consultant and surgeon Andrew McCombe said that they did not really know what caused glue ear, but acid reflux had certainly been suggested as a possible cause. That, therefore, looked like a very interesting study. Obviously if successful, it might save yet more children from surgery.