The role of allergic rhinitis in the development of otitis media with effusion: effect on eustachian tube function

Seung Geun Yeo, Dong Choon Park, Young Gyu Eun, Chang Il Cha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME) is considered multifactorial, with viral upper respiratory tract infection and eustachian tube dysfunction. Allergy may be related to the pathogenesis of OME or to another etiological factor. We investigated the role of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children with OME and evaluated eustachian tube function in patients with AR. Materials and methods: We prospectively analyzed the prevalence of AR, serum eosinophil count, and serum total IgE concentrations in 123 children with OME and in 141 controls. IgE concentration in middle ear effusion was compared in children with OME with and without AR, and eustachian tube function after a nasal provocation test was compared between patients with AR and controls. Results: The prevalence of AR in children with OME (28.4%) and control subjects (24.1%) did not differ significantly. These 2 groups also showed no differences in total eosinophil count and serum and middle ear effusion IgE concentration. Abnormalities in eustachian tube function were the same in patients with AR and controls. Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis may not be related to the development of OME in children.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)148-152
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2007

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