Prevalence of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children of Damietta Governorate (Egypt)

Background: Otitis media with effusion is a prevalent disease of pediatrics. It is usually a self-limiting disease. However, it may be complicated by serious consequences. The early detection and the determination of actual prevalence could help in planning for preventive interventions. Aim of the work: To determine prevalence of otitis media with effusion and the risk factors associated with this disease. Patients and methods: The study included all patients younger than 16 years of age, who attended the outpatient clinic of otorhinolaryngology department (Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine, New Dameitta), during the period from August 2016 to August 2018. In this work, 2338 patients were included (1351 males and 987 females). For each child, the demographic data were collected and documented. All attended children were submitted to an ear, nose and throat examination; both ears were examined by an otoscope (pneumatic) and tested with tympanometry by the same investigator. Results: The disease was diagnosed in 124 children (5.3%). The mean age of studied children was 9.13±2.83 years (range 4-15). The most common affected age was 4 years (15%) followed by 6 years (13.1%), then 15 years (6.3%). The condition was significantly associated with low socioeconomic class, smoking exposure and past frequent upper respiratory tract infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of OME in 4-15 years old children in Damietta Governorate was 5.3%, elevated to 15% at the age of 4 years. The low social state, exposure to smoking and frequent infections of upper airway were the most common associated risk factors.