What characterizes Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)?

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) is characterized by the presence of fluid in the middle ear without the occurrence of acute infection symptoms such as pain or fever. This condition often arises when a cold or respiratory infection causes the Eustachian tube to become blocked, preventing proper drainage, which leads to the accumulation of non-infectious fluid. Unlike an acute ear infection, OME does not typically present with signs of infection like severe pain, redness, or fever, making it vital to recognize this distinction for effective treatment and management.

Other choices involve conditions or characteristics that are not consistent with OME. For instance, a painful ear infection suggests the presence of an acute otitis media where inflammation and infection are evident. Chronic otorrhea refers to a persistent discharge from the ear, which is not a defining characteristic of OME. Similarly, while inflammation of the Eustachian tube may contribute to the development of OME, the defining factor of OME itself is the presence of fluid in the middle ear without infection symptoms, making the second option the most accurate.