Accumulation of water in the ear (otitis with effusion) is the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear cavity, without signs of general or regional infection behind the eardrum.
Why does water accumulate in the ear?
It is generally accepted that this disease will develop due to eustachian tube obstruction and ongoing or past otitis media. The most common reason is adenoid. A previous upper respiratory tract infection, allergic rhinitis, or masses in your adolescents may also impair eustachian function. If the Eustachian tube does not work, the air pressure in the middle ear decreases and a vacuum effect occurs. If this situation lasts longer, it produces mucous secretion that covers the middle ear. After all, the middle ear cavity is filled with liquid.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms such as fever, pain and ear discharge do not appear in this disease. They may complain of tugging or congestion from time to time. Parents complain of hearing impairment, children not responding to themselves, passing questions with irrelevant answers, and speech retardation in language development. It is also noteworthy that the child listens to the television louder, begins to watch more closely, the school success depends on not hearing the teacher.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is made by otoscopic ear examination. It is confirmed by the hearing test. Pure sound hearing testing generally does not give reliable results in patients under 5 years of age. With the second test, pressure test, objective results are obtained regardless of age. The density of the fluid in the ear is determined and its treatment is shaped. This test is a test that never hurts the child, which takes too short.
What happens if not treated?
Studies show that 70% of untreated cases disappear spontaneously until the age of 10. However, in the remaining 30%, permanent damage that may affect the quality of life of the person may occur in the following years. Therefore, monitoring of children should be done seriously by the ENT specialist.
What are the treatment options?
Research shows that fluid accumulation after acute otitis media has disappeared within 3–6 months. Therefore, regular follow-up is recommended in the first plan. Children with fluid detected in the ear should be followed up. Environmental risk factors should be reduced first. The most important risk factors are inpatient breastfeeding, smoking at home and going to the nursery at an early stage if lactating.
What are the medical and surgical approaches?
Antibiotic treatment is the approach considered in the first plan. However, if allergies are observed, it can be added in allergic treatment. Surgical treatment is recommended for fluid deposits that do not improve with medical treatment. Surgery is performed surgically, along with the application of a ventilation tube. This operation is about 15-20 minutes under general anesthesia. Tubes attached to the ear are never visible from the outside. After doing this, we can wait for the children to fully recover from the anesthetic effect and usually discharge on the same day. Then weekly and monthly follow-ups are started.
Why does water accumulate in the ear?
It is generally accepted that this disease will develop due to eustachian tube obstruction and ongoing or past otitis media. The most common reason is adenoid. A previous upper respiratory tract infection, allergic rhinitis, or masses in your adolescents may also impair eustachian function. If the Eustachian tube does not work, the air pressure in the middle ear decreases and a vacuum effect occurs. If this situation lasts longer, it produces mucous secretion that covers the middle ear. After all, the middle ear cavity is filled with liquid.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms such as fever, pain and ear discharge do not appear in this disease. They may complain of tugging or congestion from time to time. Parents complain of hearing impairment, children not responding to themselves, passing questions with irrelevant answers, and speech retardation in language development. It is also noteworthy that the child listens to the television louder, begins to watch more closely, the school success depends on not hearing the teacher.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is made by otoscopic ear examination. It is confirmed by the hearing test. Pure sound hearing testing generally does not give reliable results in patients under 5 years of age. With the second test, pressure test, objective results are obtained regardless of age. The density of the fluid in the ear is determined and its treatment is shaped. This test is a test that never hurts the child, which takes too short.
What happens if not treated?
Studies show that 70% of untreated cases disappear spontaneously until the age of 10. However, in the remaining 30%, permanent damage that may affect the quality of life of the person may occur in the following years. Therefore, monitoring of children should be done seriously by the ENT specialist.
What are the treatment options?
Research shows that fluid accumulation after acute otitis media has disappeared within 3–6 months. Therefore, regular follow-up is recommended in the first plan. Children with fluid detected in the ear should be followed up. Environmental risk factors should be reduced first. The most important risk factors are inpatient breastfeeding, smoking at home and going to the nursery at an early stage if lactating.
What are the medical and surgical approaches?
Antibiotic treatment is the approach considered in the first plan. However, if allergies are observed, it can be added in allergic treatment. Surgical treatment is recommended for fluid deposits that do not improve with medical treatment. Surgery is performed surgically, along with the application of a ventilation tube. This operation is about 15-20 minutes under general anesthesia. Tubes attached to the ear are never visible from the outside. After doing this, we can wait for the children to fully recover from the anesthetic effect and usually discharge on the same day. Then weekly and monthly follow-ups are started.