title: Relapsing infective-phlogistic pathology of Waldeyer's ring and its relationship with secretory otitis media.
abstract: In our previous studies on the physiopathology of the rhinopharyngeal-tubal unit, we found and reported an unmistakable correspondence between rhinopathy and otitis media. However, we have often asked ourselves how and why severe cases of otitis media were often present in subjects without an evident obstructive naso-tubal pathology. With research that we have already published, we have been able to reveal how alteration of the ventilatory function of the tube is not the only factor that provokes affections of the middle ear. In our opinion, the phlogistic event is the main cause of otitis. Our conviction has recently been confirmed and strengthened by new research to which we wish to refer. A total of 92% of young patients and 65% of adult patients who underwent tonsillectomy in our Institute suffered from otitis media. These results emphasize that it is the infection, with the concomitant inflammation, that alters the function of the tube. Altered functions of drainage and defense cause affections of the middle ear in conditions of non altered ventilation and thus they are not documentable with the routine instrumental tests.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Passali
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bellussi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Lauretis
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000234:Adenoids / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012008:Recurrence; D014068:Tonsillectomy