Otitis media with effusion

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Ear anatomy

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

The last two decades of the 20th century saw a dramatic rise in OME, largely due to increased pollution and increased use of early childhood day care (where children are exposed to many respiratory infections).

OME is most common in winter or early spring, but can occur at any time of year. It occurs most often in children under 2 years old, but it can affect people of any age.

Small children get more OME than older children or adults for several reasons: The tube is shorter, more horizontal, and straighter (quick and easy trip for the bacteria). The tube is floppier, with a tinier opening (easier to block). And young children get more colds (it takes time for the immune system to be able to recognize and ward off cold viruses).

It used to be thought that the longer the fluid was present, the thicker it became. Thus, the term "glue ear" became synonymous with chronic OME. It is now thought that the thickness of the fluid relates more with the particular ear than with how long the fluid is present.

Review Date: 05/10/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.