3 years ago I suddenly developed persistent middle ear fluid retention & infections. Eventually I found out that chewing gum (or anything) gives me relief, so now I always have gum with me. I have always been a coffe drinker with cream. I recently noticed that coffee seems to aggarvate the condition. Is it possible that this is actually caused by an allergy to coffee, or cream, or both? I have switched to tea fo the past 2 weeks and I feel much better. Does anyone know of an allergy to coffee or cream causing this problem ?