[CLINICAL APPROACH TO PEDIATRIC SEROUS OTITIS MEDIA].

Serous otitis media (also known as otitis media with effusion) is one of the most prevalent pediatric diagnoses. However, the recommended clinical approach and significance of this entity are controversial. Pathogenesis is usually based upon a combination of factors as overviewed in the body of the article. The cognitive and behavioral effects amongst children suffering serous otitis media were extensively studied and data points to little if any effects during long term follow-ups in otherwise healthy children. The therapeutic approach can be divided into watchful waiting, systemic drugs, topical drugs, mechanical therapies and surgical therapy (i.e. ventilation tube insertion). The reviewed literature mainly supports the effectiveness of the surgical approach in carefully selected cohorts of patients.