ENTPaediatrics
Otitis Media with Effusion (Glue Ear)
NICE NG176 — watchful waiting 6–12 weeks, hearing assessment, grommets / hearing aids for persistent + bilateral.
Source: NICE NG176 (2021)
Step 1 of ~3
info
Recognise — Common in Children
OME / glue ear: non-purulent middle ear effusion without acute infection; typically children 1–6y.
Features: hearing loss, speech / language delay, balance problems, behavioural changes.
Examination: dull / retracted TM, fluid level / bubbles, reduced TM mobility on pneumatic otoscopy.
Verify all paediatric drug doses against BNFc if applicable.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Amoxicillin (Otitis Media / Sinusitis) · Beta-lactam antibiotic
- Hydrocortisone Ear Drops · Topical Corticosteroid — Otitis Externa
- Neostigmine · Anticholinesterase (Reversal Agent)
- Prilocaine · Local Anaesthetic (Amide)
- Mepivacaine with adrenaline · Amide LA + vasoconstrictor
- Neostigmine with glycopyrronium · Anticholinesterase + antimuscarinic
Pathways
- Adult Upper Airway Obstruction (Stridor) · DAS 2015 unanticipated difficult airway; RCEM
- Epistaxis Management · ENT-UK / NICE
- Acute Otitis Media · NICE NG91 2018
- Tonsillitis and Sore Throat · NICE NG84 2018
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo · NICE CG124 / AAO-HNS Guidelines
- Acute Rhinosinusitis · NICE NG79 2017 / EPOS 2020
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.