Otitis media associated with accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.
Symptoms of Otitis Media with Effusion
The following features are indicative of Otitis Media with Effusion:
muffled hearing
sense of fullness in the ear
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Common Causes of Otitis Media with Effusion
The following are the most common causes of Otitis Media with Effusion:
dysfunctioning of the Eustachian tube
inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nasopharynx
drinking while lying on back
sudden increase in air pressure
Risk Factors for Otitis Media with Effusion
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Otitis Media with Effusion:
exposure to smoke
use of pacifiers
attending daycare
Prevention of Otitis Media with Effusion
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Otitis Media with Effusion. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
avoiding cigarette smoking
encouraging infants to breastfeed
treating allergies
Occurrence of Otitis Media with Effusion
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Otitis Media with Effusion cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Otitis Media with Effusion can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Otitis Media with Effusion can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Otitis Media with Effusion
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Otitis Media with Effusion:
Tympanometry: Helps to tell the amount and thickness of the fluid
Audiometer examination: Helps the patient to decide on treatment
Physical examination of eardrum: To detect fluid and dullness in eardrum
Doctor for Diagnosis of Otitis Media with Effusion
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Otitis Media with Effusion:
ENT Specialist
Complications of Otitis Media with Effusion if untreated
Yes, Otitis Media with Effusion causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Otitis Media with Effusion is left untreated:
perforation of the eardrum
infection of the mastoid space behind the ear
bacterial meningitis
brain abscess
dural sinus thrombosis
Self-care for Otitis Media with Effusion
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Otitis Media with Effusion:
Proper breastfeeding: Prevents infants from ear infections
Treating allergies: To clear up fluid behind the eardrum
Avoid cigarette smoking: Reduces the risk for the ear infections
Time for Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Otitis Media with Effusion to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: