Abstract

BENITO OREJAS, J.I. et al. Pneumatic otoscopy. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria [online]. 2015, vol.17, n.68, pp.e279-e288. ISSN 1139-7632.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1139-76322015000500017.

After explaining the best way to clean ear wax in a previous article, in the second one we aim to show the advantages of pneumatic otoscopy (PO) when diagnosing otitis media (OM), exposing the procedure and exploratory findings. Our conclusions sum up again the recommendations offered by the literature review carried out on pneumatic otoscopy, and the experience of a team of pediatricians and otolaryngologists from the same Healthcare Area. American guidelines and most pediatricians consider PO is the best method to examine the middle ear in children when effusion is present; however, very few pediatricians use it. It is a simple, economical, reliable and easily accessible procedure in Primary care; but, as it is a subjective technique, a prior targeted training is necessary. We consider that learning and using the pneumatic otoscopy is essential in Primary care, as a diagnostic procedure in middle ear effusion.

Keywords : Otoscopy; Child; Primary health care; Ear, middle; Otitis media; Otitis media with effusion.

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