This plain language summary serves as an overview in explaining otitis media with effusion (pronounced Oh-TIE-tis ME-dee-uh with Ef-YOO-zhun), abbreviated "OME" and often called "ear fluid." The summary applies to children aged 2 months through 12 years with OME and is based on the 2015 "Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion (Update)." The evidence-based guideline includes research to support more effective diagnosis and treatment of OME in children. The guideline was developed as a quality improvement opportunity for managing OME by creating clear recommendations to use in medical practice.
Keywords: middle ear effusion; otitis media with effusion; plain language summary.
© American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2015.