Exudative otitis media in children

Exudative otitis, often observed in children, is an inflammatory process of the middle ear, accompanied by the formation of transudate (fluid) directly in the tympanum. Most often this disease affects children aged 3-7 years (in 60% of cases), less often - in 12-15 years (10% of cases).

What are the signs of exudative otitis in children?

As a rule, the symptoms of exudative otitis media are poorly expressed. The only, perhaps, a sign that should make the parents alert, is hearing loss, and in some cases the child begins to complain about tinnitus.

Due to the fact that a child of 3-5 years almost never complains of a problem on their own, exudative otitis media in such children is discovered by chance, during a preventive examination.

How is exudative otitis treatment treated?

Before starting treatment of exudative otitis media in children, a full determination of the causes of the development of the disorder is carried out. So, first of all, the presence of adenoids , choanal polyps , sanation of the paranasal sinuses is excluded.

Only after carrying out the above checks, proceed to restore patency of the auditory tube. To do this, perform physiotherapy, such as electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, electrical stimulation of the soft palate. In the early stages of pathology, diadynamic currents and blowing of the drum cavity by the method of the Politzer are a good therapeutic effect. All of the above methods involve a very active participation of the child himself, and therefore can not be used to treat young children.

However, the most modern method of fibroscopy allows to restore patency of the auditory canal in children, tk. is carried out under video control.

What causes untimely treatment of exudative otitis media?

The main question that parents ask when they learn about the presence of such a pathology in their child is the risk of exudative otitis media. So, if within 3-4 years the necessary treatment is not carried out, the baby will develop an irreversible deafness, i.e. he may completely lose his hearing. This is due to the atrophy of the tympanic membrane, which is accompanied by the formation of pockets and perforations in it.