Mohammad Yousaf, Inayatullah, Naseer Ahmad, Sharafat Ali.
The presentation pattern of otitis media with effusion.
J Med Sci Jan ;17(1):53-5.

Objectives: The objective was to study the presentation of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME), so that it could be detected and managed early and properly to prevent hearing loss and its effects on speech development and learning. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the department of ENT DHQ Hospital Haripur and ENT Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from June 2002 to June 2005. A proforma was used to collect data. Patients having hearing difficulty were subjected to audiometry to confirm otitis media with effusion. X-ray nasopharynx lateral view was performed to confirm enlarged adenoids. All of the patients were treated conservatively. Resistant and recurrent cases were treated with myringotomy and or ventilation tubes with and without adenoidectomy. Results: Eighty-two patients were included in this study. Parents first detected more than 40 (50%) of cases. The most common presentation was difficulty in hearing in 82 (100%) patients. The age range was from 3 to 33 years. The tympanic membrane was dull or opaque in 124 (81%) ears. Majority of cases, 41 (50%) had reported in winter. Adenoids and rhinosinusitis were main associated factors in 31 (39%) and 50 (61%) patients respectively. Allergic rhinitis was present in 10 (12%) patients. Conclusion: OME is mostly misdiagnosed in primary health care. Its presentation varies but partial hearing loss is always there. Any child with hearing loss should be screened with pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry and managed early to prevent its negative effects on learning.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com