
Fifth Stage
E.N.T
Dr. Mushtaq – Lecture 4
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Otitis Media with effusion
Non Suppurative Otitis Media
Definition
A clinically non-infective non-suppurative form of fluid collection behind an intact
TM.
Other Synonyms for Otitis media with effusion
•
Secretory om.
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Exudative om.
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Serous om.
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Glue ear.
Patho-physiology
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Acute ET obstruction ME vacuum vascular engorgement transudation of serous
fluid from subepithelial vessels <<Acute serous OM.
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Glandular hypertrophy production of viscid mucus in chronic secretory om
Aetiology
- frequently in male children/ 4 years
1. Occlusion of the eust.tube which may result from :
a- adenoid hypertrophy
b- salpingitis
c- stricture or adhesion of tubal orifice after surgery/ adenoidectomy.
d- ulceration or neoplasm of the post nasal space involving the pharyngeal
orifice
e- paralysis of the palatal muscles
2. Unresolved acute om.
3. Viral infection of the middle ear cleft.
4. Allergy e,g: hay fever.
5. Cleft palate & its` repair if the pterygoid hamulus is fractured .

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Clinical features:
1) Deafness :
Conductive
2) Tinnitus :
Bubbling noise in the ear
3) Impaired speech & language development
Diagnosis:
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History of hearing loss obtained from parents in young children
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Feeling of fullness in the ear following flu.
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Behavioral& scholastic difficulties , insularity, shouting or increasing TV volume.
Otoscopical examination:
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TM. Is dull & retracted .
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Horizontal crescent hair line
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Air bubbles on blowing
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Grey to ... Black // blue drum
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Mobility can be assessed by blowing or seigle`s or pneumatic otoscope
Investigations:
A. Tuning fork test: > 4 years // --ve
B. Audiometry : conductive hearing loss
C. Tympanometry :
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decrease compliance( B)or
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negative middle ear pressure(C)
D. Tympanocetesis : sterile X infected
serous X glue

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Treatment:
1- Medical R,:
* 50% may resolved spontaneously within
3months
* elimination of the aetiological & predisposing
factors.
* many trials of R, with AB, steroid, decongestant,
antihistamines & prostaglandin inhibitors .
2- Surgical R,
•
Indication: Persistent disease> 3months with significant hearing loss
1) Myringotomy alone
2) Myringotomy +ventilation tube ( grommet)
3) Adenoidectomy+/- ts

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Thank you,,,