Λεξικό .. Allergy and chronic secretory otitis media

Nasal allergy seems to be one of the main causes of chronic secretory otitis media (SOM) with effusion in children and adults. Chronic SOM is usually related with a disturbed function of the eustachian tube, which facilitates communication of the middle ear with the nasopharynx, nasal cavity, and indirectly with paranasal sinuses.

Chronic SOM induces  decreased elasticity of the tympanic membrane and hearing impairment. Allergic rhinitis is leading to release of various mediators which induce the development of three types of nasal response characterized predominantly by nasal obstruction. Eustachian tube functions are usually affected directly by the mediators released in the nasal mucosa or indirectly by the nasal obstruction. Skin prick testing or in vitro testing may demonstrate the allergic origin of rhinitis. On the other hand tympanometry and audiometry may demonstrate the existence of the chronic secretory middle ear otitis.

References

Pelikan Z. Role of nasal allergy in chronic secretory otitis media. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2009 Mar;9(2):107-13.