Affiliations 

  • 1 K P Pang, FRCS. Department of Otolaryngology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074
  • 2 A H C Ang, MBBS. Department of Otolaryngology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074
  • 3 H K K Tan, FAMS (ORL). Department of Otolaryngology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074
Med J Malaysia, 2002 Sep;57(3):376-82; quiz 383.
PMID: 12440282

Abstract

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a very common condition seen in children, and is the commonest cause of hearing loss in an infant. It is also a fairly common condition encountered by the family practitioner, and often the family practitioner is the first doctor the parents bring the child to. Otitis media with effusion is a simple condition but, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to preventable long-term consequences. Hence, a high index of suspicion is necessary, early and accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment, with close follow-up is of essence. The epidemiology, aetiological factors, clinical presentations, diagnosis, various medical and surgical options, cost-effectiveness of therapy and the impact of OME on the child's development are discussed.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.