Safwan has been diagnosed for Otitis media with effusion (OME). It started long time ago when he always has sticky fluid in his ear. Usually we only bring him to the clinic and doctor will gave an antibiotic. But we have decided to go to specialist as it still recurring. There will be a surgical operation on 19 July 2011, which the doctor will do the myringotomy i.e. putting a small tube in his ears.
Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. “Otitis” means inflammation of the ear, and “media” means middle. This inflammation often begins with infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory problems, and spreads to the middle ear. These can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and can be acute or chronic.
The surgery called a myringotomy, is a tiny incision in the eardrum. Any fluid, usually thickened secretions will be removed. In most situations, a small plastic tube (a tympanostomy tube) is inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time. These ventilating tubes remain in place for six months to several years. Eventually, they will move out of the eardrum (extrude) and fall into the ear canal. Your doctor may remove the tube during a routine office visit or it may simply fall out of the ear.
What are risks and complications of ear tubes?While ear tube surgery is common, minor complications can occur in up to half of the children who have them inserted. Complications include: Failure to resolve the ear infectionsm,Thickening of the eardrum over time, which affects hearing in a small percentage of patients, Thickening of the eardrum over time, which affects hearing in a small percentage of patients.
Persistent perforation after the tube falls out of the eardrum, Chronic ear drainage , Infection etc.
Prevention tips:•Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, which can interfere with Eustachian tube function.
•Identify and avoid any allergans that may lead to your child’s OME.
•Consider a smaller day care center, especially in the winter months. Day care centers that have six or fewer children result in fewer ear infections.
•Wash hands and toys often.
•Use air filters and get fresh air to help decrease exposure to airborne germs.
•Avoid overusing antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics breeds increasingly resistant bacteria.
•The pneumococcal vaccine can prevent infections from the most common cause of acute ear infection (which can lead to OME). The flu vaccine can also help.
CahayaSuria 