The incidental finding of otitis media with effusion in children admitted for adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy

Abstract

Background and objectives: Otitis media with effusion is a common condition in the pediatric population, and is a leading cause of hearing loss in this age group. This condition is commonly missed by the parents due to lack of objective symptoms especially in young children, in turn leading to learning difficulties and communication problems. This study focused on the incidental finding of asymptomatic, undiagnosed otitis media with effusion in children with adenotonsillar diseases admitted for adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy (aged 2-12 years) Methods: A cross sectional study conducted from January 2020 to February 2021. We randomly selected 110 children (aged 2-12 years), admitted purely for adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy at Rizgari Teaching Hospital in Erbil / Iraq. Those with acute upper respiratory tract infection, other otological problems, or craniofacial abnormalities were excluded. Selected children were examined by otoscopy and sent for tympanometry preoperatively. Results: Of total 110 patients, 23 (20.9%) cases had hidden, undiagnosed otitis media with effusion, which was missed by parents (14.5% bilateral, 6.4% unilateral). The majority (n= 15; 65.2%) in (5-8) years age group (mean age of 5.1 years) (p=0.02), with gender distribution; males (n = 15; 65.2%), females (n= 8; 34.8%) (p=0.123). Conclusion: Adenotonsillar disease carries an extra risk for developing otitis media with effusion in children. Otoscopic examination and simple test such as tympanometry can diagnose this condition in order to take the necessary steps for management and prevent future complications.