title: Middle ear effusions. Current concepts.
abstract: Current concepts of middle ear effusions in childhood including a discussion of etiology, diagnosis, and treatment are presented. We emphasize recent studies on the histochemical makeup of the middle ear, as well as the enzymatic and immunologic defense systems of that space. The mucociliary transport system is explained and recent literature is reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000234:Adenoids / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D006984:Hypertrophy; D007223:Infant; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy