While the OME is a collection of non-infected fluid in the

Otitis Media middle ear space. It is also called serous or secretory otitis
media (SOM). This fluid may accumulate in the middle ear as a result
It is a group of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear. The of a cold, sore throat or upper respiratory infection.
two main types are Acute Otitis Media (AOM) and Otitis Media
Usually, it involves hearing loss or aural fullness but typically
with Effusion (OME).
do not involve pain or fever. It is defined as the presence of non-
AOM is an infection of rapid onset that usually presents with infectious fluid in the middle ear for more than three months.
ear pain. In young children this may result in pulling at the ear,
itchiness of the ear, increased in crying when it hurts too much, and
poor sleep. Decreased eating and a fever may also be present when
you’re feeling these things.
 Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is middle ear
inflammation that results in mastoid cavity that is characterized by
discharge from the middle ear through a perforated tympanic
membrane for more than three months or at least 6 weeks. It may
be a complication of acute otitis media. The pain is rarely present. It
also includes painless otorrhea with conductive hearing loss. CSOM
occurs following an upper respiratory tract infection that has led to
acute otitis media. A central perforation of the pars tensa is more
benign. On the other hand, an attic perforation of the pars placcida
and marginal perforation of the pars tensa are more dangerous and
often associated with a cholesteatoma.
All three types of otitis media may be associated with hearing
loss. The hearing loss in OME, due to its chronic nature, may affect a
child's ability to learn.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of both otitis externa and otitis media can be
made from history, clinical symptomatology and physical
examinations. Inspection of the tympanic membrane is an
indispensable skill for physicians and health care workers. All
discharge, ear wax and debris must be removed and to perform an
adequate otoscopy. In the majority of patients, routine cultures are
not necessary, as a number of good bacteriologic studies have
shown consistently the same microbial pathogens mentioned in the
section of etiology. If the patient is immunocompromised or is toxic
and not responding to initial antimicrobial therapy tympanocentesis
(needle aspiration) to obtain middle ear effusion for microbiologic
culture is indicated.