What is it about ?
The placement of transtympanic drains (diabolos) is a very common procedure in children. We can consider the placement of drains
- if acute otitis media are frequent (3 out of 6 months, or minimum 4 out of 1 year)
- if the otitis serosa lasts more than 3 months
The main reason for the intervention isotitis serosa or “glue ear”, a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which usually occurs after a acute otitis media. In three quarters of children, otitis media resolves spontaneously within 6 months. Drains reduce the recurrence of otitis media.
Each situation is unique, and the decision to put on drains can also take into account the influence of the disease on the functioning or the development of the child and / or if he hears less well.
After placement, the drains usually stay 8 to 12 months in the eardrum. Then they usually come off spontaneously.
In case of otorrhea, inflammatory fluid flows through the ear. The common cold with acute inflammation of the middle ear is the main cause of otorrhea in the presence of drains.
What is its frequency?
For every 10 children with drains, 2 to 5 have at least one episode of otorrhea.
How to recognize it?
Fluid is leaking from the ear. If the child is in pain but no fluid is flowing, it is more indicative of an obstruction or loss of the drain.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will examine the ear with an otoscope. He can take some of the liquid with a cotton swab to have it checked for bacteria. This test is useful if fluid continues to flow for a very long time and the child does not respond well to the usual antibiotics. In this case, it may be that more rare bacteria are contributing to the problem.
What can you do ?
It is recommended to always have your otorrhea examined by your doctor. Otorrhea that lasts for several days immediately after the placement of drains is not abnormal, but it usually stops spontaneously after a week or less.
What can your doctor do?
The doctor assesses whether the antibiotics can be helpful in treating the condition. Antibiotics usually help stop otorrhea within 3 days. There is no unanimous support for the effect and usefulness of ear drops. Only Ciloxan® ear solution can be administered with tympanostomy tubes. You should absolutely not use any other ear drops (eg Polydexa®, Panotile®, Terra-Cortril + Polymyxin B®)!
It is advisable to go quickly to the general practitioner once the otorrhea has stopped. He will check to see if the ear is completely healed. If, despite the antibiotics, the otorrhea does not disappear after a week, the general practitioner will refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT).
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