Covenant Family Practice - Chronic Serous Otitis Media

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Chronic Serous Otitis Media

Written by Robert A Wilson
Friday, 08 February 2008
Serous otitis occurs when there is a build up of fluid in the middle ear. This happens quite frequently with middle ear infections in children. It becomes chronic when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time. The middle ear is a small space behind the eardrum that normally contains no fluid. It contains only air and tiny bones needed for hearing. The air gets there when a person swallows. Air travels up the eustachian tube that leads from the throat to the middle ear. This causes the popping sound heard when swallowing. Inflammation from a past infection may cause fluid in the middle ear. It may become thick so it cannot drain from the ear. Allergies can cause fluid by blocking the eustachian tube, preventing normal middle ear fluids from draining. Risk increases with cigarette smoke exposure, allergies, and a daycare setting. Symptoms may include: Symptoms may not be present Ear pain or behavior changes An older child may complain of a stuffy feeling or pressure in the ear or he may notice difficulty hearing What your doctor can do: Treatment is often not needed. Almost all children will have fluid in the middle ear following an infection. Fluid goes away by itself within 3 months in most children. Treatment may be recommended if there is no improvement in 6-12 weeks. Allergy medications, cold medicines, and decongestants may be recommended Hearing may be tested. If fluid remains or hearing does not improve, you may be referred to a specialist for insertion of ear tubes, which allow fluid to drain through a hole in the eardrum. What you can do: Avoid exposing your child to cigarette smoke. Sit your child in an upright position while drinking from a bottle What you can expect: Possible complications include chronic, recurring ear infections, temporary hearing loss with possible delay in language development. Contact your doctor if your child has increasing ear pain, fever, is pulling at the ears, or shows other possible signs of infection.
Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )

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