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Health For Mzansi

Protect your child from glue ear

by Noluthando Ngcakani
8th September 2022
in Conversations
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
On this episode of Sisters Without Shame, Dr Lorraine Masotja unpacks the symptoms and treatment of glue ear in children. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

On this episode of Sisters Without Shame, Dr Lorraine Masotja unpacks the symptoms and treatment of glue ear in children. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

On this episode of Sisters Without Shame, Polokwane ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist Dr Lorraine Masotja comes to the aid of a parent in crisis from Vryburg who needs more insights on the treatment of glue ear.

Glue ear – or otitis media – happens when the middle ear becomes inflamed due to infection. It is most common in children and can follow a sore throat, respiratory infection or cold.

On episode 58 of Sisters Without Shame Dr Lorraine Masotja talks to us about the causes and treatments of glue ear in children. Photo: Health For Mzansi

“The ear is divided into three parts, the outer ear, middle ear, and the inner ear. [Glue ear manifests when] there is a problem with the pressures in the middle ear and the tissues in the middle ear secret fluid,” Masotja explains.

“This fluid can be watery, or it can be like glue. You can equate it to mucus that comes through the nose; it is like a thick mucus in the middle ear.”

What are the symptoms?

The condition may be difficult to detect in children because they may not be able to accurately communicate their symptoms. 

“The child may start complaining about pain in the ears or irritation but the very small kids who cannot talk you may see them shake and shake their heads or hitting their heads frequently or pulling their ears because of the pressure.”

In some cases, glue ear can resolve on its own, but a doctor can also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

“Your middle ear is supposed to have air and the three smallest bones in your body, nothing else,” says Masotja.

“When you have glue ear, it affects hearing, it can also lead to more serious problems if there is a chronic ear infection it may affect the [small] bones in the ear and can even spread further than the middle ear.”

Normally goes unchecked

The cause of glue ear is not fully understood and there is no way of preventing most cases. Symptoms sometimes go unchecked.

“We don’t really take our children for their routine medical exams. The ears may be left [unchecked] unless the parents say something about the ears, or you get a doctor who checks and says that there is something wrong.”  

On this episode Dr Masotja also dives into detail about:

  • The treatment options available for glue ear.
  • What actions parents can take to prevent glue ear.
  • The effect of diet on children’s ear health.

Listen to the full interview on Sisters Without Shame 

Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices). 

Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.

Google Podcasts: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

Want to connect with Sisters Without shame? 

To send an SOS to Sisters Without Shame, email hello@healthformzansi. Alternatively, send a WhatsApp to 076 132 0454.

ALSO LISTEN: Kids’ teeth: Sleeping with a bottle is a big no-no

Noluthando Ngcakani

Noluthando Ngcakani

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers