Prevalence of otitis media with effusion in Allergic Rhinitis patients
Abstract
Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) may be caused by various factors including eustachian tube dysfunction, inflammatory response as well as atopy. Allergic rhinitis, a common chronic disorder in children, is associated with swelling of the mucosa and can therefore result in eustachian tube dysfunction.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of OME in patients with allergic rhinitis in comparison with subjects without allergic rhinitis.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case – control study conducted at Tishreen University Hospital at Lattakia during the period between August 2019 – August 2020.
Children aged 5-18 were recruited from the ENT clinic. Subjects recruited were interviewed and a questionnaire filled in regarding nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, itching of the nose and/or post nasal discharge. The children were then examined using a pneumatic otoscopy and a tympanometer. Children found to have OME were offered a follow-up visit 3 months later.
Results: 15 out of 135 (11.1%) of the allergic rhinitis group were found to have OME compared with 6 out of 135 (4.4%) in the non- allergic rhinitis group, p = 0.04. During the 2nd visit at 3 months, 86.7% of the allergic rhinitis subjects showed resolution of their OME.
Conclusion Our data showed a significant difference in the prevalence of OME
between allergic rhinitis and non- allergic rhinitis subjects. Of the 135 non allergic rhinitis subjects (Control group), 6 was found to have OME, suggesting a point prevalence of OME of 4.4% in the community in Lattakia. OME is more likely to occur in children with allergic rhinitis and it may be wiser to manage OME in these individuals differently.
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