Saira Iftikhar, Ayesha Jawad, Ambreen Riaz, Mumtaz Ahmad Umar, Farhan Ahmed, Muhammad Zafar Rabbani.
Screening of Children with Upper Respiratory Tract Infection for Otitis Media with Effusion.
Ann Pak Inst Med Sci Jan ;19(2):162-6.

Objective: To determine the recurrence rate of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) among children without hearing loss, in relation to different upper respiratory tract infections. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Shifa Foundation Community Health Centre (SFCHC) in Islamabad from February 2020 to February 2021, this study involved otoscopic examinations by a blinded team member. Tympanometry was performed on patients displaying OME signs. Both the examiner and performer were unaware of the child's study status to minimize bias. Results: The study included children with a mean age of 7.35 ± 2.30 years, predominantly males (59.4%). Common symptoms were nasal obstruction (98%), mouth breathing (97%), and sore throat (98%). Physical examination revealed no Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS), nasal polyps, or tender sinuses. Mucopurulent nasal discharge (94.1%), adenoid hypertrophy (98%), and congested tonsils (96%) were prevalent. Dull/opaque tympanic membranes were present in 22.8% of children, while 74.3% displayed a light reflex, and 26.7% had a prominent short process of malleus. Conclusion: Otitis media with effusion is frequent in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, non-specific ear symptoms, and poor school performance. Although typically benign with a high rate of spontaneous resolution, it often leads to parental anxiety, unnecessary investigations, and sometimes unwarranted medication. Key Words: Otitis Media with Effusion, Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Hearing Loss.

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