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Risk factors in otitis media with effusion. A 1 year case control study in 5-7 year old children
I G Williamson1, J Dunleavey, D Robinson
1Department of Primary Care, Southampton University, Aldermoor Health Centre, UK.
Insights
Otitis media with effusion (glue-ear) in young children is linked to frequent ear issues, bottle feeding, and night cough. A history of earache and a red eardrum also increase risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME), commonly known as glue-ear, is a prevalent condition in young children.
- Identifying risk factors for OME is crucial for timely intervention and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations and risk factors for otitis media with effusion in 5-7 year old children.
- To examine factors previously highlighted in the literature and identify new potential risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year case-control study was conducted.
- Data were collected from 5-7 year old children across four schools in south-west Hampshire.
- Risk factors were assessed through medical history, otoscopy, and parental reporting.
Main Results:
- A history of frequent ear problems in the past year was significantly associated with OME.
- Bottle feeding, a history of earache, and a red tympanic membrane upon otoscopy were identified as risk factors.
- A novel finding indicated that night cough is also associated with an increased relative risk of OME.
Conclusions:
- Several factors, including past ear problems, bottle feeding, otoscopic findings, and night cough, are associated with otitis media with effusion in children.
- These findings contribute to understanding OME etiology and may inform clinical practice and public health initiatives.
Abstract:
What are the associations and risk factors for otitis media with effusion (glue-ear)? A 1 year case control study in 5-7 year old children from four south-west Hampshire schools examined some of the factors highlighted by the literature. A history of frequent ear problems over the previous year, a history of earache at any time in the child's life, bottle feeding, a red drum at otoscopy and the new finding of night cough all carried an increased relative risk.