This article addresses the issues of cause, diagnosis, and management of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children. The progression from acute otitis media (AOM) to chronic OME is described, and points of intervention are identified. Current recommendations on management and treatment are presented, including a discussion of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)'s guidelines on “Otitis Media with Effusion in Young Children” (see Appendix)