Whether or not the fluid in the ear disappears naturally, it is possible for some patients with mild symptoms to heal on their own, especially if the cause of the disease is eliminated. For patients with more severe symptoms that are more difficult to heal on their own, interventions such as nasal sprays and drops that shrink the mucous membranes, as well as oral antibiotics and hormonal medications should be used. With interventional therapy, recovery will be faster, the course of the disease will be shorter, and the impact on life will be minimized. In some patients with fluid buildup, a puncture of the tympanic membrane to remove the fluid and an in-the-ear injection may be necessary. A very small percentage of patients may require long-term tube placement due to unresolved Eustachian tube dysfunction.