What does acute serous otitis media mean?

Serous otitis media (SOM), also known as otitis media with effusion (OME), fluid in the ear, middle ear effusion (MEE), or secretory otitis media, is a condition in which fluid resides in the middle ear. “Serous” refers to the type of fluid that is collecting inside the middle ear.

How do you treat serous otitis?

(Serous Otitis Media; Otitis Media with Effusion) Most cases resolve in 2 to 3 weeks. If there is no improvement in 1 to 3 months, some form of myringotomy is indicated, usually with insertion of a tympanostomy tube. Antibiotics and decongestants are not effective.

How do you get serous otitis media?

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a collection of non-infected fluid in the middle ear space. It is also called serous or secretory otitis media (SOM). This fluid may accumulate in the middle ear as a result of a cold, sore throat or upper respiratory infection.

Does serous otitis media need antibiotics?

Otitis media with effusion is defined as middle ear effusion in the absence of acute symptoms. Antibiotics, decongestants, or nasal steroids do not hasten the clearance of middle ear fluid and are not recommended.

Who is most at risk for acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media is common in children from four months of age up until their fourth birthday, but it is between the ages of six and 18 months that they are most likely to develop a middle ear infection. Children who are also in child care center with many other children are also more likely to develop otitis media than their stay-at-home peers.

What are the causes of acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media (AOM) is often caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by viruses. The bacteria that usually cause AOM are Streptococcus pneumoniae (strep-toh-KOK-us KNEW-moh-NEE-ay), Haemophilus influenzae (he-MO-fill-us in-flu-EN-zay), and Moraxella catarrhalis (more-ax-EL-la ka-tar-HUL-iss).

Can otitis media be cured without antibiotics?

The traditional method for the treatment of acute otitis media is antibiotic therapy. It helps to avoid the spread of inflammation to the nearby organs. However, the chronic form of the disease can be cured without antibiotics .

How does acute otitis media affect the body?

Having acute otitis media means having a painful earache. But it may also affect the way other parts of your body feel as well. One of the other symptoms of a middle ear infection include fever, which helps the body fight infection, but it also may make a persons head and muscles ache and cause a weak and overall tired feeling.