THE ROLE OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION

The significant incidence of atopy associated with otitis media with effusion (OME) has suggested a role of allergy in the pathogenesis of OME. Past studies implicated allergy in the pathogenesis of otitis media [OM]. Otitis media is a common condition, especially in children. Most episodes of OM were associated with an upper respiratory viral infection and are shortlived and self-limiting with or without medical treatment. However, chronic OM with effusion (OME) has significant sequelae, is refractory to most medical treatments, and frequently requires surgical intervention. A large body of epidemiologic and mechanistic evidence supports a role for allergic rhinitis [AR]as a risk for OM. To establish the association of allergic rhinitis with otitis media with effusion 100 children of age group 5 to14 were taken, 50 children were suffering from otitis media[test group] & 50 were healthy[control group]. These children were evaluated clinically & a battery of laboratory tests was performed in all children to establish the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in them. Out of 50 children with otitis media 12 were suffering from allergic rhinitis & out of 50 healthy children 3 were suffering from allergic rhinitis. Chi- square test was performed and the 'P0.05' value was found to be 0.0127[ uncorrected] and was highly significant. These findings indicate that prevalence of allergic rhinitis is more in persons suffering from OME as compared to healthy individuals.