Final answer:
Otitis media with effusion is characterized by fluid accumulation in the middle ear, presenting symptoms such as a dull tympanic membrane, reduced mobility of the tympanic membrane, and possibly hearing difficulties. It does not typically involve severe pain or systemic symptoms like fever.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical findings of otitis media with effusion (OME) typically include the presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs of acute infection. Notably, patients may have a dull or an amber tympanic membrane (rather than a brightly colored one as seen in acute otitis media), limited or no mobility of the tympanic membrane upon pneumatic otoscopy, and possibly air bubbles behind the tympanic membrane. In some cases, the fluid can cause the eardrum to bulge, and although it is not typically associated with severe pain or systemic symptoms such as fever, it can cause hearing difficulties or a sensation of fullness in the ear.
OME is particularly common in young children due to their anatomical and physiological characteristics, such as shorter eustachian tubes and more frequent upper respiratory infections. The accumulation of fluid in the middle ear offers a reservoir for microbes, potentially leading to secondary infections that can result in chronic ear problems if not properly managed.