Otitis Media With Effusion

Otitis media with effusion is a common infection that normally occurs in children. Effusion is just another term for fluids. So if your inner ear is inflamed and there is a high amount of fluids in your middle ear, you possibly have OME. In general, there is no apparent symptom of this kind of ear problem. The only way to determine the extent of production of ear fluids in the middle ear is through diagnosis.

Adults rarely experience OME. These fluids normally evaporate and do not need antibiotic cure unless the fluids persist. However, bacteria may stay and grow in the fluids, leading to more serious ear infections.

What Causes Otitis Media?

OME is often followed by Acute Otitis Media. This is the most common form of infection in the middle ear that results from the development of high amount of fluids in the ear. Some of its symptoms are redness of the eardrum, light fever and pain.

What are the symptoms of otitis media with effusion?

There is no apparent symptom of this ear problem. However, certain conditions underlying ear problems like mild loss of hearing and may indicate an obstruction, which is caused by entrapment of fluids in the middle ear. Otitis media is more common during winter because of increased susceptibility to infections in the upper respiratory such as colds.

Is there any treatment available for Otitis Media with Effusion?

Otitis media is simply a development of fluids in the middle ear. One of the treatment options is to allow the fluids to evaporate on their own. Your audiologist (ear specialist) or otolaryngologist (throat, nose and ear specialist) will inspect your ear, and if it takes a long time for the fluids to clear up on their own, they will give prescription medication like antibiotics.

Your audiologist will do a hearing test to determine if there is still otitis media with effusion. If fluids endure for more than 4 months, your doctor may recommend a tube placement surgery.

Otitis Media With Effusion

Otitis media with effusion is characterized by an inflammation in the inner ear and buildup of excessive fluids in the middle ear. This type of ear disorder commonly takes place in children and rarely in adults. This article will not go further discussing about the facts of otitis media, instead it will talk about the most important thing, and that is prevention.
 

Preventive Measures for Otitis Media with Effusion

• Don’t be exposed to ear infection-causing bacteria. Clean toys and wash your hands frequently. Infections to the upper respiratory that result to ear infections may be passed on through touching.
• Keep away from airborne allergens that float in the air and may result to ear as well as respiratory problems. These allergens include animal dander, dust mites, pollen and molds in your house.
• For kids, maintain the size of the day care to fewer children, about 5 children or less is better for kids under 2 years of age or below.
• Increase the resistance of you immune system against ear infection-causing bacteria.
• The best way to boost your immune system is to have a balanced nutrition diet. Consume a lot of vegetables and fruits.
• Plenty of rest and lower stress level are also good factors that may aid to empower your immune system.
• For infants, breastfeeding is a main source to reduce infection. Bottle-feeding may increase the infant’s susceptibility to ear infections.
• Another helpful way to prevent ear infection is vaccination, particularly flu and pneumococcal vaccine.
• Make sure that your Eustachian tube works properly to prevent otitis media with effusion.

Avoid cigarette smoking, both first and secondhand.