title: Otitis media with effusion: an update.
abstract: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a very common condition seen in children, and is the commonest cause of hearing loss in an infant. It is also a fairly common condition encountered by the family practitioner, and often the family practitioner is the first doctor the parents bring the child to. Otitis media with effusion is a simple condition but, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to preventable long-term consequences. Hence, a high index of suspicion is necessary, early and accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment, with close follow-up is of essence. The epidemiology, aetiological factors, clinical presentations, diagnosis, various medical and surgical options, cost-effectiveness of therapy and the impact of OME on the child's development are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.forename: A H C
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Ang
authors.forename: H K K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors