Management of otitis media with effusion in children suffering from allergic rhinitis

ABSTRACT

Otitis media with effusion is a pathological condition of the middle ear in which sterile effusion is presented behind the non-perforated Tympanic Membrane. This prospective study was conducted during period from July 2007 to June 2011. One hundred and sixty children of age group between one to ten years were included in study. After starting the treatment for Allergic Rhinitis they were followed up at the intervals of 1, 2, 4, 12 weeks, 6 month and one year. Detailed ENT examination along with tuning fork tests, pure tone Audiometry and Tympanometry were performed on every visit. In suspected cases of having effusion we performed Myringotomy and Grommet insertion for confirmation of diagnosis and to resolve the effusion. We found that allergic rhinitis leading to upper respiratory tract infection was a prime factor as the cause for Otitis media with effusion. myringotomy and Grommet insertion causes aeration and drying of fluid