 |
Serous otitis media is the term used to describe a collection of fluid in the middle ear. Acute serous otitis media is usually the result of blockage of the eustachian tube from an upper respiratory infection or an attack of nasal allergy.
Chronic serous otitis media may result from long standing eustachian tube blockage, or from thickening of the fluids so that it cannot be absorbed. This chronic condition is usually associated with hearing impairment. There may be recurrent ear pain, especially when the individual catches a cold. The presence of fluid in the middle ear makes it very susceptible to recurrent acute infections. These recurrent infections may result in middle ear damage.
Treatment of chronic serous otitis media may be either medical or surgical.
The primary objective of surgical treatment of chronic serous otitis media is to reestablish ventilation of the middle ear, keeping the hearing at a normal level and preventing recurrent infection that might damage the eardrum membrane and middle ear bones. This involves myringotomy with insertion of a ventilation tube and, at times, adenoidectomy.
Serous otitis media especially unilateral one in an adult patient is important. Tumours of back of the nose should be ruled out in these cases. |
 |
