Treatment methods for otitis media with effusion

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
59sec home-news-image

How to check for otitis media

Otitis media is a common and frequently occurring disease in our department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. It is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear. There are many clinical examination methods, mainly the following: First, we use our forehead mirror to directly visualize the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and tympanic cavity. That's one method. Next, we can examine our middle ear using instruments such as an otoscope or an endoscope, which allow direct observation of the middle ear structure and the tympanic membrane. The third examination focuses on the auditory function in otitis media. We can conduct pure tone audiometry and check acoustic impedance to assess the condition of our hearing function. Additionally, we perform imaging studies, such as a CT scan of the temporal bone or mastoid to observe the condition of our middle ear cavity.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

What ointment is used for otitis media?

Clinically, otitis media primarily refers to the acute and chronic infections of the middle ear caused by various reasons, mainly acute infectious inflammation of the middle ear. The treatment of otitis media primarily involves the local and systemic use of anti-infection drugs, such as local use of ofloxacin ear drops, and systemic treatment with cephalosporin antibiotics. Ointments are generally not used for treatment. Ointments are difficult to apply to the external ear canal; once an ointment enters the external ear canal, it can block it. This blockage can prevent the timely expulsion of secretions from the ear canal, potentially exacerbating the inflammation. Currently, ointments are not used in the treatment of otitis media.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
50sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
55sec home-news-image

What should I do if otitis media causes a fever?

Otitis media is an acute infectious inflammation of the ear, which can also be chronic. Fever indicates that the otitis media is an acute inflammation, and the presence of fever, indicating an increase in body temperature, suggests that the inflammation is relatively intense and severe. Therefore, it is mainly necessary to provide enhanced anti-infection treatment. Otitis media is primarily a bacterial infection, so the main treatment is the use of cephalosporin antibiotics. Generally, when there is a fever, blood can be drawn to check a complete blood count to see the level of white blood cells, indicating the degree of infection. Clinically, infusion anti-infection treatment is generally provided, mainly using cephalosporin antibiotics. If the pain is significant and the temperature is high, corticosteroids can also be used for combined treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
55sec home-news-image

Does otitis media spread?

Otitis media is a common and frequent disease in the field of otorhinolaryngology, mainly caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, otitis media is generally not contagious. In certain situations where families live closely together, it is possible for two children to be sick at the same time; however, this is often related to the living environment or other upper respiratory infections, which does not indicate that otitis media is contagious. On the other hand, some specific infections may be contagious, such as tuberculous otitis media. The secretions from tuberculous otitis media are contagious, so it is important to differentiate between types of otitis media to determine whether they are contagious. Generally, otitis media is not contagious.