Kids can get fluid in the middle ear (called a middle ear effusion) after an ear infection or when the tube that drains fluid from the middle ear to the throat (the eustachian tube) is blocked. 

Kids with fluid in the middle ear may not have any symptoms. Or they may have fullness or "popping" in the ear, trouble hearing, dizziness, or problems with balance.

Fluid in the middle ear usually gets better on its own within about a month.

• Don't give any medicines or use any ear drops without checking with your health care provider first.
• Follow your health care provider's instructions for taking your child to an ear, nose, and throat or allergy specialist. 
• Since allergies can lead to fluid in the middle ear, help your child avoid anything they are allergic to and give any allergy medicines as instructed by your health care provider.
• Since ear infections can lead to fluid in the middle ear, help your child prevent them:
  • Don't smoke or allow others to smoke around your child. For help quitting, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov. 
  • Breastfeed your baby, if possible. If bottle-feeding, hold your baby at an angle (so the head is above the belly). And don't give your baby a pacifier after 6 months of age.
  • Make sure your child gets all recommended vaccines (shots).
  • Help your child avoid getting a cold or other virus (which can lead to an ear infection) by having them wash their hands well and often and avoid others who are sick, if possible. 

Your child:

• Gets ear pain or a fever
• Has liquid or blood coming from the ear
• Doesn't seem to hear well
• Isn't talking clearly or learning new words as well as expected

What causes fluid in the middle ear? Normally, mucus drains from the middle ear into the throat through the eustachian tube. When kids have an ear infection, cold, or allergies, the tube can swell. This blocks the mucus from draining out, leading to fluid in the middle ear. Sometimes, something else blocks the eustachian tube, like large adenoids (patches of tissue at the very back of the nose). And sometimes there's no clear reason why fluid is in the middle ear.

What is the treatment for fluid in the middle ear? Most of the time when someone has fluid in the ear, it goes away on its own and no treatment is needed. If it doesn't go away or if it goes away and them comes back, treatment may be needed. To decide what treatment is best, health care providers consider:

• Child's age
• How long or how many times the child has had fluid in the middle ear 
• Whether the child also is getting ear infections 
• Whether the child has trouble hearing or speaking or other medical problems
• Whether both ears are affected 

Sometimes the health care provider will decide to wait longer to see if the middle ear fluid goes away. Other times, surgery is needed.

What's the difference between a middle ear effusion and a middle ear infection? In a middle ear effusion, the fluid behind the eardrum isn't infected. In a middle ear infection, the fluid behind the eardrum is infected. This infected fluid (pus) builds up and makes the eardrum bulge, which can be painful.