Prevalence of otitis media with effusion in Allergic Rhinitis patients

Authors

  • Faiz Alouni Tishreen University
  • Yasser Ali Tishreen University
  • Mustafa Abdi Tishreen University

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.

Author Biographies

Faiz Alouni, Tishreen University

MD, Associate Supervision   , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine

Yasser Ali, Tishreen University

MD, Associate Supervision   , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine

Mustafa Abdi, Tishreen University

Master student , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine

Published

2022-03-29

How to Cite

1.
العلوني ف, علي ي, عبدي م. Prevalence of otitis media with effusion in Allergic Rhinitis patients. Tuj-hlth [Internet]. 2022Mar.29 [cited 2024Apr.20];44(1):155-7. Available from: https://journal.tishreen.edu.sy/index.php/hlthscnc/article/view/12012