Dear Dr. Greene, I am a little concerned over the first
paragraph in the section regarding when ventilation tubes are
necessary in children. You state that the purpose of ventilation
tubes is to allow bacteria and fluid to drain from the ear. This
is incorrect. Not only does this demonstrate a misunderstanding
of the pathophysiology of otitis media, but also gives the wrong
impression to parents that the insertion of tubes will be an
ongoing problem with otorrhea. Patrick J. Fitzgerald, MD –
Otolaryngology Dr. Greene’s Answer: Dear Dr. Fitzgerald, Thank
you for sharing your concern. Although I have at least two
readers review every answer before it is posted, I welcome
additional input. It is an honor for me to be “reviewed” by
other physicians. After receiving your email, I re-read the
answer you are referring to. It is to a reader who was concerned
about when ear tubes should be used. That answer used to say,
“This pressure-equalization (PE) tube provides a temporary,
extra Eustachian tube to allow bacteria