HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)ear painI have symptoms similar to otitis media with effusion. How do I confirm the diagnosis?

How to cure otitis media presenting with no pain?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ranjit Peter

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 1, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Is this otitis media with effusion? I have attached pictures. I have had symptoms for 1.5 weeks now. It seems to be slowly getting better, but I am unsure if there is any treatment for this or if it just has to be waited out. I have no pain.

Answered by Dr. Ranjit Peter

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, the otoscopic images (the attachments have been removed to protect the patient's privacy) that you shared are those of otitis media with effusion. Yes, you are right; it will resolve over a period of 1.5 to 3 weeks, provided you do not have a stuffy nose, and you are not in the habit of nose-blowing. Some recommendations to speed up the recovery process would be : 1) Chewing gum would facilitate the opening and closing of your eustachian tubes (that connect the back of your nose to the ear), thereby equalizing the pressure as well as improving drainage of the fluid. 2) Balloon exercises in which one has to repeatedly blow a balloon would also help. However, if you have a stuffy nose or throat infection, that would need to be addressed.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you. There is no acute infection, so no antibiotics are needed, correct?

Answered by Dr. Ranjit Peter

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

That is correct. There is no role of antibiotics in otitis Media with effusion (OME). If you do have a stuffy nose, you may use nasal decongestant drops topically in the nose, three drops in each nostril on both sides twice a day for 3 to 5 days.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ranjit Peter
Dr. Ranjit Peter

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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