DF,
The build up of excess fluid in the inner ear is caused by an infection, and can only be cured by drilling a hole in the ear drum to drain out the fluid. With the fluid in the ear, it is not possible to swallow and 'clear' the ears, as the fluid blocks the air flow through the ears, thus making it impossible to change the pressure, as the popping of your ears when you climb/descend with healthy ears is due to AIR pressure, not FLUID pressure.
Probably a bad description, but hope you get the gist
SJ