American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation GUIDELINES Apps brought to you free pf charge, courtesy of Guideline Central. Enjoy!
Issue link: https://eguideline.guidelinecentral.com/i/632640
18 Patient Information Table 10. Frequently Asked Questions: Treating and Managing Ear Fluid Question Answer What is ear fluid? Ear fluid, also called otitis media with effusion (OME), is a build- up of mucus or liquid behind the ear drum without symptoms of infection. Is it possible that the ear fluid will just go away on its own? Fluid oen goes away on its own, so your doctor will oen recommend watchful waiting for the first 3 months. Be sure to follow-up with your doctor to make sure the fluid goes away completely. Does it matter how long the fluid has been there? e fluid is most likely to go away quickly if it has been there less than 3 months or has a known start time, such as aer a cold or ear infection. Fluid is much more likely to persist when it has been there for at least 3 months or when it is found during a regular check-up visit and the start date is unknown. How might the ear fluid affect my child? e most common symptoms of ear fluid are mild discomfort, fullness in the ear, and mild hearing problems. Some children also have disturbed sleep, emotional distress, delayed speech, irritability, clumsiness, balance problems, or trouble learning in school. What can I do at home to help the fluid go away? Keep your child away from second-hand smoke, especially in closed spaces like the car or in the house. If your child is more than 12 months old and still uses a pacifier, stopping the pacifier in the daytime may help the fluid go away. Will medications or other therapies help the fluid go away? Medical treatment does not work well, so you should not give your child antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, steroids (by mouth or in the nose), or drugs to reduce acid reflux. No benefits have ever been shown for chiropractic, special diets, herbal remedies, complementary medicine, or alternative (natural) therapies. Do I still need to follow-up with my doctor, even if my child seems fine? Yes, because the fluid may still be there and could later cause problems. Fluid that lasts a long time can damage the ear and require surgery. Also, young children oen do not express themselves well, even when struggling with hearing problems or other issues related to the fluid. e best way to prevent problems is to see the doctor every 3 to 6 months until the fluid goes away. Does the fluid cause hearing loss? e fluid can make it harder for your child to hear, especially in a group setting or with background noise, but the effect is usually small and goes away when the fluid clears up. How can I help my child hear better? Stand or sit close to your child when you speak and be sure to let them see your face. Speak very clearly, and if your child does not understand something, repeat it. Hearing difficulties can be frustrating for your child, so be patient and understanding. See Table 11 for specific strategies.