Middle Ear Effusion in Children

Alan T.L. Cheng, Nancy M. Young*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in children can present with a variety of middle ear effusions (MEE). Even though the character of the effusion may vary, the underlying pathogenesis is often similar. In the last decade, there has been an abundance of new information in the fields of immunobiology and immunochemistry to explain the chronicity of MEE. There are also studies examining the efficacy of vaccination and immunoprophylaxis for recurrent AOM. Diagnosis of otitis media (OM) in a child can be difficult but good visualization by pneumatic otoscopy improves the accuracy of diagnosis of OME. The development of increasing bacterial resistance to antimicrobial therapy reinforces the need to be more rational in treating AOM and OME. The variability of the natural history and the long term sequelae of OME makes medical management more difficult. All children with chronic MEE should have audiologic evaluation. Surgery is recommended should the condition be refractory to medical therapy or if the complications of MEE develop.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)755-761
Number of pages7
JournalIndian Journal of Pediatrics
Volume64
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • Middle ear effusion
  • Otitis media

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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