Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 2/4/2009

Question
I recently went to a clinic over a weekend because of bad headache, facial pain and dizziness.  The Dr. took an x-ray of sinuses and said they were infected along with fluid in both ears.  I couldn't take the first 3 antibotics and just started my 4th one.  I was at a clinic this past weekend and the Dr. said there was still infection and my ears had fluid.  My question - does it take a while to get rid of this fluid and is that why I'm dizzy.  Thank you for your response.  I have been on a new antibiotic for 2 day - zithromax.  I seem to be tolerating it ok.  Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Teresa,
First...yes, it is possible to have dizziness as a result of fluid in the ears.  Next, it is possible to have the fluid remain in the ears even after the infection itself is cleared up.  The fluid usually is eventually reabsorbed by the membranes in the middle ear. A problem arises if this fluid cannot properly be reabsorbed.  This can happen in the case of a Eustachian Tube (ET) Dysfunction.  The ET is a tube that goes from the nose to the middle ear and is responsible for maintaining normal pressure in your ears.  Occasionally, especially in cases of allergies or sinus infections, this tube will close and remain closed.  If this is the case, the fluid builds up in the middle ear and just stays there with no place to go.  Usually nasal sprays help to open the ET and thus help in draining the fluid.  Your doctor should be able to prescribe an appropriate spray.  In rare cases, even with treatment, the ET still does not open and the fluid remains and builds up.  In these cases, a small tube in inserted into the eardrum that acts as a replacement ET. My suggestion is that if the fluid remains on your next followup, you consult with an ear specialist, if you already haven't done so, to discuss treatment options.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology