| Abstract: | Tympanic and axillary temperatures were measured in 90 children (161 ears) with exudative otitis media (EOM) and 20 otologically healthy children (40 ears). It was discovered that in EOM patients the difference between tympanic and axillary temperatures is greater than in healthy children. This increased difference is caused by the state of the tympanic mucosa. The influence of surgical and conservative treatments on tympanic mucosa temperature and, therefore, on the difference between tympanic and axillary temperatures in these patients are outlined. It is recommended to use tympanic thermometry with consideration of case history data and otoscopic picture as a screening method for diagnosis of EOM in mass prevention examinations of children, in family physician practice and in selection of children for more comprehensive check-up in diagnostic centers as well as for control over treatment results in EOM children. |
