Otitis media with effusion in infants and children. Primary care concerns addressed from an otolaryngologist's perspective.

In 90% of children, otitis media with effusion resolves within 3 months. When it persists longer, it is considered chronic. Initial treatment of chronic otitis media with effusion is repeated courses of antibiotics, and a short course of steroids may be appropriate. Use of antihistamines and decongestants has not been shown to be efficacious, although they may be beneficial when inhalant allergies contribute to eustachian tube dysfunction. Persistent effusion leads to conductive hearing loss, which may have a significant impact on language, speech, and intellectual development. Thus, surgical therapy consisting of insertion of tympanostomy tubes and, in selected cases, adenoidectomy is indicated to improve hearing and prevent long-term sequelae.