Treatment methods for otitis media with effusion

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Otitis media with effusion mainly refers to a type of secretory otitis media, where there is negative pressure in the middle ear cavity and fluid accumulation occurs. Treatment usually begins with medications, lasting either one to three months or three to six months. Antibiotics, steroids, and medications that facilitate the drainage of the effusion, such as Mucosolvan, may be used. Additionally, medications that constrict the mucosal blood vessels in the nasal cavity can also be used to facilitate the function of the Eustachian tube. If medication does not relieve or cure the condition, invasive treatment methods such as tympanic membrane puncture, tympanotomy, tympanostomy tube insertion, and Eustachian tube balloon dilation can be employed.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if I have inflammation of otitis media?

Otitis media is a relatively common ENT disease. After the onset, it is necessary to visit an ENT department, where routine blood tests and otoscopic examinations can be conducted to determine the extent and type of inflammation. Most patients may consider conservative medical treatment, commonly using oral medications and ear drops. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are required to observe the effects of the treatment. However, for some patients with severe conditions where conservative medical treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention may be considered. Post-surgery, regular follow-ups are also needed to monitor the recovery. Overall, with timely treatment, the condition can be well-controlled. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How is otitis media caused?

Otitis media primarily refers to the inflammation of the tympanic membrane, tympanic cavity, and mastoid in the middle ear. Clinically, the main causes of otitis media include the following: firstly, infectious factors, which are mainly bacterial infections. Bacteria can infect the middle ear through the external auditory canal, through the Eustachian tube from the nasopharynx to the tympanic cavity of the middle ear, or via the bloodstream to the tympanic cavity, tympanic membrane, and mastoid, leading to symptoms of otitis media. These are our pathways of infection. So, what causes these infections? Or what factors might influence the occurrence of these infections, that is, the occurrence of otitis media? Key factors include decreased immunity in children, increased virulence of bacterial infections, which involves highly infectious bacteria, and our anatomical structure, namely, the imperfection or incompleteness of the middle ear structure and the anatomical connections between the ears.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of Otitis Media Recovery

Otitis media is a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology, which is divided into various types such as acute otitis media, chronic otitis media, and cholesteatoma otitis media. Acute otitis media is often seen in cases of colds or coughs. Patients primarily present with pain and pus discharge from the middle ear. Treatment under the guidance of a physician may include the use of antibiotics and corticosteroids. Additionally, during a cold, it is advisable to avoid forceful nose blowing to prevent retrograde infection to the middle ear. For patients with chronic cholesteatoma otitis media, treatment usually requires radical mastoidectomy to remove the lesion and granulation tissue in the middle ear, thereby restoring the normal physiological environment of the middle ear. Repairing the perforated eardrum can also achieve a cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to relieve pain from acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media commonly leads to pain, and it can also cause feelings of ear blockage, decreased hearing, and secretions in the ear canal. If the pain is significant, it is primarily considered to be caused by acute infection and inflammation. Initial treatment involves timely anti-infection therapy, predominantly with antibiotics, taken orally. If the inflammation is severe, infusion therapy may be necessary, and ear drops can also be considered. If, after anti-infection treatment, the pain still hasn't significantly relieved, painkillers can be considered. Generally, the treatment period is about a week, and regular follow-up checks with an otoscope and maintaining dryness in the outer ear canal are necessary. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of acute otitis media?

The symptoms of acute otitis media are quite varied, with common clinical symptoms including ear pain, itching, foreign body sensation, and a feeling of ear fullness. There may also be purulent discharge. If the inflammatory reaction is severe and not promptly treated, it can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss. In terms of diagnosis, an otoscopic examination can be conducted for a more direct and effective assessment. Treatment generally involves the use of antibiotics to combat infection, while also keeping the external ear canal dry and preventing water entry. The typical treatment period is about one week. Overall, effective control and relief can usually be achieved through standardized medication treatment.