Treating Secretory Otitis Media in Children


Secretory Otitis Media - also called Otitis Media with Effusion, sometimes referred to as Glue Ear is a very common ear condition in children in which there is sterile collection of fluid in the middle ear of the child. The collection of fluid dampens the movement of the ear drum leading to sensation of ear blockage and loss of hearing. There are usually two peaks in a child's life- at 2 years and then at 5 years of age.
Secretory Otitis Media (SOM) must be distinguished from Acute Otitis Media (AOM, ASOM) which is usually an infective condition and there is accompanying ear pain, or Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) in which there is usually an accompanying ear discharge.
What Causes SOM?
The occurrence of SOM in very small children is linked to their poor/ immature immune status. A breastfed infant normally loses maternal antibodies by 18 months of age. At the age of 2 years the child is exposed to the outside environment and other children for the first time - play school, day care centres, parks etc. The small child picks up infections easily in these early days - this causes simple colds and sore throat which lead to compromise of Eustachian Tube function leading to accumulation of a fluid build up in the middle ear.
Two other causes are:
- Allergies - The Hygiene Hypothesis suggests that as we bring up our children in cleaner and more sterile environments we prevent them from developing a robust immune system. This also makes them more prone to allergies
- Adenoids- Among the commonest causes of SOM is an enlarged Adenoid Tissue - a kind of a Tonsil that sits in the back of the child's nose and causes nasal blockage as well as leading to blockage of the Eustachian Tube.
Pic - Courtesy - healthdirect.gov.au
Pic - Courtesy - healthdirect.gov.au
Investigations
The child should be subjected to an Audiometry test (above 3 years of age) as well an Impedance Tympanometry to assess middle ear function.
How to Treat SOM?
SOM has traditionally been treated with a variety of medications which include Antibiotics, Decongestants, Anti Allergic medication, Nasal drops, Auto Inflation (in the older child) etc.
However, the condition is generally self limiting.
There is usually no role of Antibiotics in this condition since the fluid in the middle ear is sterile.
There is a role of Surgery - Either Myringotomy with Grommet insertion, or Adenoidectomy (Removal of the Adenoids) along with Myringotomy and Grommet insertion.
The indications for surgery must be clearly present.
For the sake of hearing loss a period of 12 weeks of treatment and observation is usually recommended before surgical intervention is contemplated.

If you are looking for an ENT Specialist then please book prior APPOINTMENT for a medical checkup from ( 10 Am to 5 Pm; Mon-Sat)Call At +919871150032

Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Navigating Winter Health: A Comprehensive Guide for the Elderly

Image
As the winter season descends upon us, the risk of winter-related illnesses, especially among the elderly, becomes more pronounced. Understanding the causes and adopting preventive measures is crucial to ensure a healthy winter. The onset of winter often brings an increase in Upper Respiratory and Lower Respiratory tract infections, attributed to factors such as poor air quality, seasonal transitions, the emergence of winter viruses, and the chilling temperatures. The current scenario highlights a significant prevalence of these respiratory infections, with the elderly population, particularly those with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, being more susceptible. Safeguarding against winter illnesses involves a combination of proactive steps: Vaccination: Ensure you have received your flu vaccine, providing added protection against prevalent winter viruses. Layered Clothing: Dressing warmly with layered clothing is essential. Pay attention to warm innerw
Read more

Turbinoplasty Surgery - explained by Dr. Rajesh Bhardwaj

Image
Turbinoplasty Surgery Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing nasal congestion and breathing difficulties caused by enlarged turbinates. The turbinates are bony structures covered in soft tissue located inside the nose, responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe. When the turbinates become swollen due to allergies, chronic sinusitis, or other nasal conditions, it can lead to nasal obstruction and reduced airflow. Turbinoplasty involves the reduction or repositioning of the turbinates to improve nasal airflow and alleviate breathing problems. MedFirst ENT Centre, located in Delhi, India, offers top-quality turbinoplasty surgery performed by highly skilled ENT surgeon and their professional medical team. Turbinoplasty - Benefits and Risks Benefits of Turbinoplasty Surgery: Improved Breathing: Turbinoplasty can significantly enhance nasal airflow, leading to better breathing and reduced nasal congestion. Relief from Nasal Obstruction: Patients
Read more

Enlarged Adenoids

Image
Enlarged adenoids are common in children. The adenoids can become enlarged due to an infection or allergy. The adenoids are glands that sit behind the nose above the roof of the mouth. When they grow large, they can cause snoring and breathing problems. They also press upon the Eustachian Tube and cause middle ear problems. For more information please visit our blog ENT Doctor If you are looking for a Sr. ENT Specialist then please visit our Centre. Address - D 3/14, Vasant Vihar, Lane opposite, Vasant Vihar Club, Opp Shri Ram School, New Delhi, Delhi 110057. For an appointment - Please call at +919871150032.
Read more