Correlation between Allergic Rhinitis and Otitis Media with Effusion

INTRODUCTION: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is prevalent among children in such a way that it is the most common cause of hearing loss and surgery in childhood. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated hypersensitivity has been proposed as a causative factor in the development of OME; however, there has been contrasting data in this regard. Therefore, the present study aimed to detect the possibilities of interconnection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 37 OME children were selected as the case group and 52 children were randomly chosen as the control group. Allergic rhinitis prevalence, serum total IgE concentration, serum eosinophil count, and nasal scraping cytology were evaluated in all the children. Furthermore, the skin prick test was performed in the OME group and suspected allergic rhinitis patients in the control group. RESULTS: Allergic rhinitis prevalence was notably higher among OME patients than in the control group (P=0.01). There were no remarkable differences in eosinophil counts and serum IgE concentrations in the two groups. Nasal smear eosinophils did not show any significant difference between the two groups; however, Appreciable difference was observed in the allergic rhinitis patients, compared to other OME patients (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: There may be a correlation between allergic rhinitis and development of OME. Therefore, it seems reasonable to examine allergic rhinitis patients for OME.