Brief Answer:
Thick mucus is due to presence of Eustachain tube block...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Presence of thick mucus in the middle ear is due to blockage of the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear). Unless the tube is not opened up the middle ear will not ventilate.

Initially, treatment should be aimed at relieving the block and thinning out the mucus. My suggestions to you are:
1. Encourage your daughter to drink plenty of warm water.
2. Encourage her to do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day. This relieves the block athe nasal end of the Eustachian tube.
3. She would require saline and intranasal steroid nasal sprays for effective decongestion of the blocked tube and clearing the secretions.
4. A mucolytic can help in thinning out the mucus in the middle ear.
5. She should avoid chilled food and beverages, coffee and fizzy drinks.

If the condition doesn't improve even after using these medicines, she would require grommet (ventilating tube) insertion in the ear drum to drain out the secretions and ventilate the middle ear.

Hope this answers your query. I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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