Essay On Otitis Media
Introduction
Serous otitis media is when there is fluid in the middle ear space. This space contains air and the bones for hearing. Air in the middle ear space helps to transmit sound.
The air gets there through the eustachian tube. This tube goes from the back of the nose (nasopharynx) to the middle ear space. It keeps the pressure in the middle ear the same as the outside world. It also helps to drain fluid from the middle ear space.
What are the causes?
This condition happens when the eustachian tube gets blocked. Blockage can come from:
Ear infections.
Colds and other upper respiratory infections.
Allergies.
Irritants, such as cigarette smoke.
Sudden changes in air pressure, such as descending in an airplane.
Enlarged adenoids. The adenoids …show more content…
This can also happen after an ear infection. Once the infection clears, the fluid will generally drain out of the ear through the eustachian tube. If it does not, then serous otitis media happens.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
Hearing loss.
A feeling of fullness in the ear without pain.
Younger children may not show any symptoms, but may show slight behavioral changes, such as agitation, ear pulling, or crying.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with an ear exam. Tests may be done to check the movement of the eardrum. A hearing test may also be done.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this can depend on the cause, but commonly the fluid goes away on its own without treatment. If allergies are the cause, allergy treatment may be helpful. If enlarged adenoids are the cause, a procedure to remove the adenoids may be needed. Fluid that does not go away for several months may require a procedure to drain the fluid.
Sometimes, antibiotic medicines may be given.
Follow these instructions at home:
Keep children away from any tobacco smoke.
Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care
Serous otitis media is when there is fluid in the middle ear space. This space contains air and the bones for hearing. Air in the middle ear space helps to transmit sound.
The air gets there through the eustachian tube. This tube goes from the back of the nose (nasopharynx) to the middle ear space. It keeps the pressure in the middle ear the same as the outside world. It also helps to drain fluid from the middle ear space.
What are the causes?
This condition happens when the eustachian tube gets blocked. Blockage can come from:
Ear infections.
Colds and other upper respiratory infections.
Allergies.
Irritants, such as cigarette smoke.
Sudden changes in air pressure, such as descending in an airplane.
Enlarged adenoids. The adenoids …show more content…
This can also happen after an ear infection. Once the infection clears, the fluid will generally drain out of the ear through the eustachian tube. If it does not, then serous otitis media happens.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
Hearing loss.
A feeling of fullness in the ear without pain.
Younger children may not show any symptoms, but may show slight behavioral changes, such as agitation, ear pulling, or crying.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with an ear exam. Tests may be done to check the movement of the eardrum. A hearing test may also be done.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this can depend on the cause, but commonly the fluid goes away on its own without treatment. If allergies are the cause, allergy treatment may be helpful. If enlarged adenoids are the cause, a procedure to remove the adenoids may be needed. Fluid that does not go away for several months may require a procedure to drain the fluid.
Sometimes, antibiotic medicines may be given.
Follow these instructions at home:
Keep children away from any tobacco smoke.
Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care