How do you treat serous otitis media in adults?
(Serous Otitis Media; Otitis Media with Effusion) Most cases resolve in 2 to 3 weeks. If there is no improvement in 1 to 3 months, some form of myringotomy is indicated, usually with insertion of a tympanostomy tube. Antibiotics and decongestants are not effective.
What is serous otitis media in adults?
Otitis media with effusion- Fluid (effusion) and mucus build up in the middle ear after an infection goes away. You may feel like your middle ear is full. This can continue for months and may affect your hearing. This is also sometimes called serous otitis media.
What antibiotics are used for otitis media?
High-dose amoxicillin (80 to 90 mg per kg per day) is the antibiotic of choice for treating acute otitis media in patients who are not allergic to penicillin.
How is serous otitis media treated?
Etiologic treatment of serous otitis rests on restoration of satisfactory nasal ventilation (education to improve nose-blowing, adenoidectomy), improvement of eustachian tube patency (corticosteroids), and modification of the characteristics of middle ear secretions (mucolytic agents and mucomodifying agents).
How long does serous otitis media last in adults?
Duration. Serous otitis media usually will last for around two to 12 weeks. If the fluid in the middle ear persists longer than three months, your healthcare provider will usually want to treat the fluid more aggressively.
What is the first line treatment for otitis media in adults?
High-dosage amoxicillin (80 to 90 mg per kg per day) is recommended as first-line therapy. Macrolide antibiotics, clindamycin, and cephalosporins are alternatives in penicillin-sensitive children and in those with resistant infections. Patients who do not respond to treatment should be reassessed.
What happens if otitis media is not treated?
An untreated infection can travel from the middle ear to the nearby parts of the head, including the brain. Although the hearing loss caused by otitis media is usually temporary, untreated otitis media may lead to permanent hearing impairment.
Is serous otitis media common?
While it is most prevalent in children, adults can still have issues with serous otitis media, it’s just not as common. 2 (If an adult has otitis media, they should have the nasopharynx checked, as sometimes this can be a sign of nasopharynx cancer.)
How does an ENT remove fluid from ear?
The surgeon makes a small incision (cut) in the eardrum. The incision can be made with a scalpel or with a laser. The fluid that is trapped in the middle ear is drained or suctioned out. The doctor then inserts the tube into the incision in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain out of the ear.
How long does otitis media last in adults?
Most middle ear infections (otitis media) clear up within three to five days and don’t need any specific treatment. You can relieve any pain and a high temperature using over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.