Asymptomatic food hypersensitivity prevalence in patients with eczematous external otitis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between food hypersensitivity and eczematous external otitis.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 27 patients with eczematous external otitis and 16 healthy volunteer were included. The existence of food hypersensitivity was defined by positive epicutaneous prick test and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.


RESULTS
Food allergy test was positive in 13 (48.1%) out of 27 cases with eczematous external otitis, and it was positive in 2 (12.5%) out of 16 cases in control group. The difference between 2 groups was statistically significant (P =.02). Specific IgE seropositivity (51.9%) was high in the patients with eczematous external otitis compared with the control group (12.5%) (P =.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Food hypersensitivity may be a factor, which should be considered in eczematous external otitis patients. Patients suffering from eczematous external otitis symptoms should be evaluated for food hypersensitivity.
Yariktas
Murat
M
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Süleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey. myariktas@hotmail.com
Doner
Fehmi
F
Dogru
Harun
H
Demirci
Mustafa
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004485:Eczema / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000150:complications*; D015995:Prevalence; D012882:Skin Tests
D007073:Immunoglobulin E