Middle Ear Effusion—Allergy Relationships

Abstract

Middle ear effusion (MEE), in its various forms, is one of the most common disorders of childhood. There are several possible etiologies, depending on the makeup of the effusion. However, the common factor in many middle ear effusions is eustachian tube dysfunction, and the role of allergy, although only one of many possible causes, is significant. A relatively large number of children with MEE are found to have atopic disorders. Nonetheless, allergy treatment alone must not preclude the use of conventional medical and surgical therapy. Optimal results will be obtained if recurrent or persistent MEE is managed in a coordinated manner by the otologist, pediatrician and allergist.

Transforming Growth Factor‐α and Rhinitis

“…Further, nasal and otologic inflammatory conditions may exhibit similarities, as they share a common mucosal environment linked anatomically by the eustachian tube. Allergy may also play a significant role in the pathogenesis of some middle‐ear effusions 19 . Because of these similarities between rhinitis and otitis, we sought to isolate TGF‐α in rhinitis, which had been only previously found in the ear and elsewhere in the body.…”

“…Allergy may also play a significant role in the pathogenesis of some middle-ear effisions. 19 Because of these similarities between rhinitis and otitis, we sought to isolate TGF-a in rhinitis, which had been only previously found in the ear and elsewhere in the body. Besides in the ear, TGF-a has also been localized in pulmonary tissue, specifically in acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, and lung cancer.…”

Total serum IgE and IgE antibodies specific to house dust mite found in two aged‐matched cohorts of children with and without otitis media with effusion

“…Local allergic rhinitis is common, and along with asthma, is rising in the population. Its role in relation to OME is debated 2,7 . Elevated levels of serum IgE are a hallmark of atopy, the levels are progressively higher with the three atopic conditions of asthma, hay fever and eczema.…”

“…Its role in relation to OME is debated. 2,7 Elevated levels of serum IgE are a hallmark of atopy, the levels are progressively higher with the three atopic conditions of asthma, hay fever and eczema. A positive radioallergosorbent (RAST) test against house dust mite allergen is found in individuals with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to that allergen.…”

Increased risk of cholesteatoma among patients with allergic rhinitis: A nationwide investigation

“…Additionally, Fireman reported that allergens capable of releasing or generating inflammation mediators in the nasopharynx are associated with the pathogenesis of middle ear diseases . Mattucci and Greenfield further identified Eustachian tube dysfunction as a common factor in the pathogenesis of middle ear diseases, in which the role of allergens is significant . Tange et al reported a high prevalence of positive results in the multiantigen radioallergosorbent test among young children with acquired cholesteatoma, thereby identifying allergy as a comorbidity factor in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma .…”