What do systematic reviews say?

Oral steroids vs placebo

It is very uncertain whether oral steroids changes adverse event: systemic corticosteroid side effects compared with placebo (very low certainty).

• Topical and oral steroids for otitis media with effusion (OME) in children 2023 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  no estimate extracted
  Studies not reported
  Very low

Oral steroids vs no treatment

• Topical and oral steroids for otitis media with effusion (OME) in children 2023 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  no estimate extracted
  Studies not reported
  Very low

Intranasal steroid spray vs placebo

It is very uncertain whether topical (intranasal) steroids changes adverse event: systemic corticosteroid side effects compared with placebo (very low certainty).

• Topical and oral steroids for otitis media with effusion (OME) in children 2023 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  no estimate extracted
  Studies not reported
  Very low

Intranasal steroid spray vs no treatment

The review found no eligible studies for this question.

• Topical and oral steroids for otitis media with effusion (OME) in children 2023 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  no estimate extracted
  Studies not reported
  No studies found