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Serousa otitis media definition

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serous otitis media definition otitis media with effusion authoritative

Serous otitis media, also called otitis media with effusion (OME), is the presence of non-infected fluid in the middle ear behind an intact eardrum, usually because of Eustachian tube dysfunction or following incomplete resolution of acute otitis media.
It may cause a feeling of ear fullness and temporary conductive hearing loss, but typically has no acute ear pain, fever, or pus discharge. Merck Manual definition

Definitions

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serous otitis media definition otitis media with effusion noninfected fluid

Serous otitis media or otitis media with effusion (OME) is the accumulation of sterile, non-purulent fluid in the middle ear cleft behind an intact tympanic membrane, without signs of acute infection. It commonly follows acute otitis media or results from Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Etiology of serousa otitis media

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otitis media with effusion causes eustachian tube dysfunction adenoids merck manual

Etiology of serous otitis media (otitis media with effusion)

The main mechanism is Eustachian tube dysfunction, causing poor ventilation of the middle ear, negative pressure, and collection of sterile fluid.
Causes include:
  1. After acute otitis media
    • Residual fluid may persist after the acute infection has resolved.
  2. Eustachian tube obstruction or dysfunction
    • Upper respiratory tract infection
    • Allergic rhinitis
    • Sinus or nasopharyngeal inflammation
    • Barotrauma, such as flying or diving
  3. Adenoid hypertrophy
    • Especially common in children, where enlarged adenoids obstruct the Eustachian tube opening.
  4. Cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies
    • Produce poor function of the muscles that open the Eustachian tube.
  5. Nasopharyngeal mass
    • Benign lesions, such as nasal polyps, or malignancy, especially nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
    • Persistent unilateral effusion in an adult requires evaluation of the nasopharynx.
  6. Head and neck radiotherapy
    • May impair Eustachian tube function.
A current review source similarly identifies unresolved acute otitis media and Eustachian tube obstruction, including allergy and adenoid enlargement, as typical causes. Merck Manual overview
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