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Otitis media with effusion in Child
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Otitis media with effusion in Child

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Contributors: Ted Ryser MD, Paul C. Bryson MD, MBA
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Synopsis

Otitis media with effusion : Hearing loss, Otalgia, Otorrhea, Aural fullness
Serous otitis media, or otitis media with effusion (OME), is when fluid builds up behind the tympanic membrane without the presence of an acute infection. This buildup is caused by negative pressure in the middle ear as a result of the eustachian tube being blocked or closed for extended periods of time. It may be related to acute otitis media, an allergic reaction, a respiratory infection, or it may occur by itself.

OME is most prevalent in young children.

Symptoms – Increased hearing loss (especially higher frequencies), feeling of moisture in ear, tinnitus. Ear pain is not usually present but may occur during rapid pressure changes.

Signs – Early on, clear fluid with possible bubbles seen behind the tympanic membrane. Over time the tympanic membrane develops a duller appearance.

Predisposing medical history – Recurrent episodes or recent episode of acute otitis media.

Codes

ICD10CM:
H65.90 – Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified ear

SNOMEDCT:
27049007 – Acute otitis media with effusion
78868004 – Chronic mucoid otitis media

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Last Updated:10/27/2015
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Patient Information for Otitis media with effusion in Child
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Otitis media with effusion : Hearing loss, Otalgia, Otorrhea, Aural fullness

Overview

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is when fluid builds up in the middle ear behind the tympanic membrane. It is often a result of negative pressure in the middle ear because of a blockage in the Eustachian tube, and not due to an infection.

Who’s At Risk

Otitis media with effusion can affect people of any age however it most often occurs in children under 2 years of age.

Drinking while lying on your back and pressure changes from riding airplanes are common causes of the Eustachian tube being blocked.

Allergies, irritants, and respiratory infections can lead to increased fluid in the ear.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of otitis media with effusion are often mild. Slight hearing loss, a feeling of moisture in the ear, and ringing (tinnitus) are often the only symptoms. Ear pain is usually not present. Your child may be irritable, crying, and may complain that the ears feel full. Some will turn up the television volume.

Self-Care Guidelines

What you can do to help if your young child has OME:
  • Have hearing tested
  • Avoid smoking and household allergens (dust, pollen, mold)
  • Breastfeed, rather than bottle feed in reclined position
  • Check for ear fluid with an electronic ear monitor (available at drug store)
  • Monitor for signs of infection (warmth, pus, ear pain) and hearing loss

When to Seek Medical Care

If symptoms of OME develop or if new symptoms develop after initial diagnosis, contact a health care provider. Monitor for signs of infection (warmth, pus, ear pain) and hearing loss and contact your doctor or pediatrician.

Treatments

Otitis media with effusion is usually not treated unless it is infected. Your health care provider will want to check the ear in 2-3 months. If the fluid is still present after 6 weeks, antibiotics may be administered. Pressure equalization tubes may be placed if OME lasts for longer than 8 weeks.
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