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Otitis Media with Effusion: Pathophysiology, Clinical Picture and Management

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Textbook of Otitis Media

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Abstract

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is defined as the presence of fluid behind an intact tympanic membrane, without any acute signs or symptoms. About 90% of children have one episode before school age, being the most frequent cause of hearing loss in preschool children. Majority of the cases resolve spontaneously in less than 3 months, but 25% of episodes can last longer and may be associated with hearing loss, balance difficulties, ear discomfort, and behavioral and social concerns. The diagnosis is essentially clinical. The recommendation is to watchful waiting for 3 months from the date of effusion onset. Surgical management is recommended for children with 3 or more months of effusion with persistent hearing loss or symptoms, children with developmental risks regardless of hearing status, or structural damage to the middle ear or tympanic membrane.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Clínica Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile

    María José Herrera J & José Alzerreca

Authors
  1. María José Herrera J
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  2. José Alzerreca
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Clínica Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile, USA

    Marcos V. Goycoolea

  2. Otolaryngology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

    Sady Selaimen da Costa

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Chris de Souza

  4. Paparella Ear Head & Neck Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Michael M. Paparella

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Herrera J, M.J., Alzerreca, J. (2023). Otitis Media with Effusion: Pathophysiology, Clinical Picture and Management. In: Goycoolea, M.V., Selaimen da Costa, S., de Souza, C., Paparella, M.M. (eds) Textbook of Otitis Media. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40949-3_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40949-3_21

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