[Secretory otitis. Treatment in the light of current knowledge].

Secretory otitis media refers to the presence of middle ear effusion behind an intact tympanic membrane without acute signs or symptoms. 10-20% of all children with acute otitis media subsequently develop secretory otitis media of at least eight weeks duration, but the disease can also be seen without previous existence of acute otitis media. Although spontaneous recovery is common, long-lasting secretory otitis may cause delayed language development. In the light of current knowledge about risk factors and treatment strategies for secretory otitis media, this paper discusses guidelines for the treatment of this condition.