Otitis media with effusion

Abstract

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common problem facing general practitioners, pediatricians and otolaryngologists. This article reviews the etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, presentation, natural history and management of OME. The literature was reviewed by using the PubMed search engine and entering a combination of terms including ‘otitis media with effusion’, ‘epidemiology’ and ‘management’. Relevant articles were identified and examined for content. What is the take home message? While OME is a very common entity in the pediatric population, the majority of cases will resolve spontaneously. Surgery in the form of grommet insertion, with or without adenoidectomy is the most effective treatment in persistent symptomatic cases.

Keywords:

• Ear
• effusion
• glue
• otitis media
• otology
• pediatrics

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.