Steroids for the treatment of otitis media with effusion in children

摘要

A mother brings her five-year-old son to your clinic because of several days of decreased hearing in his right ear following a mild upper respiratory tract infection. On examination, you find fluid behind a nonerythematous right tympanic membrane, and diagnose otitis media with effusion. You wonder if a course of steroids might help clear the effusion faster or improve his long-term hearing outcome.