This report focuses on the occurrence of middle ear effusion in children with acute otitis media (n = 62), upper respiratory tract infection (n = 81) as well as in healthy control children (n = 152). Data are reported in age categories 0-4 and 5-13 years. Middle ear effusion was found in 86% of children with acute otitis media, 49% of children with upper respiratory infection and 13% of healthy children. The younger the child, the more likely the presence of middle ear effusion in all groups. Acute otitis media and upper respiratory tract infection were clinically indistinguishable in infants.
Conclusion: Middle ear effusion is not generally a particularly significant clinical problem in children.