The changing pattern of otitis media in Korea

From a nationwide survey of otitis media in Korea, 44.52% of the population were found to have some type of otitis media or its sequelae. A high prevalence rate was seen in the age group over 41 years. This finding suggests a strong relationship between socioeconomic status and incidence of otitis media. From a clinical study of surgical cases of otitis media seen in the past 10 years, we have found that the prevalence of chronic otitis media is decreasing every year. However, severity and pathological findings of otitis media were reflected remarkably in a decreased incidence of acute purulent otitis media and an increased incidence of middle ear effusion in children. In recent years our efforts to control chronic otitis media in children have focused on the treatment of chronic middle ear effusion. To prevent the latter condition, it is strongly emphasized that pediatricians and primary care physicians should be competent in diagnosing otitis media as early as possible, and that they should refer appropriate patients to otolaryngologists for further evaluation and management.