OTITIS, SEROUS (Serous Otitis Media) |
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OTITIS, SEROUS (Serous Otitis Media)
DESCRIPTIONSerous otitis media is a disorder of the middle ear resulting in accumulation of sterile fluid and temporary decrease or loss of hearing.
Appropriate health care includes:
Doctor's treatment to surgically open the eardrum to remove fluid. Frequently it is necessary to insert a small plastic tube through the opening in the eardrum to prevent fluid reaccumulating.
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Decreased hearing on the affected side.
The physician may visualize with an otoscope the following changes:
-- Retraction of the child's eardrum.
-- Bubbles of air in the fluid behind the eardrum.
CAUSES
Infections or inflammation in the nose and throat.
Allergies.
Enlarged adenoids.
Tumors.
RISK FACTORS
Repeated upper respiratory infections.
Bottle-feeding your baby in a lying down position.
High altitude.
Cold climate.
Flying in a non-pressurized aircraft.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEProvide your child with early and complete treatment of all ear and throat infections.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Permanent (partial or rarely) hearing loss.
Delay of normal language development in a child.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually completely curable with early, adequate treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
If your doctor has inserted tubes into the child's eardrum, leave them alone. They will come out on their own when no longer needed.
Apply heat to the area around the child's ear if there is pain.
MEDICATION
Use non-prescription nasal sprays or drops to help open the eustachian tube and relieve pressure in the middle ear.
Use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to reduce pain and fever.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Finish the medication. The infection may remain active for several days after the symptoms disappear.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child should reduce normal activity until the condition clears.
Urge your child not to go swimming!
Your child should avoid extreme atmospheric pressures as in mountain climbing or flying.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When signs of infection have decreased, appetite returns, and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of serous otitis.
The following occurs during treatment:
-- Fever above 102F (38.9C), despite treatment.
-- Severe headache.
-- Earache that persists longer than 2 days, despite treatment.
-- Swelling around the child's ear.
-- Convulsions.
-- Twitching of the child's face muscles.
-- Dizziness.
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