Eustachian tube dysfunction in allergic rhinitis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess eustachian tube function in patients with allergic rhinitis and compare them with a control group.


METHODS
Tympanometry was performed in 130 patients (260 ears), divided into 2 groups: 80 cases with allergic rhinitis and 50 healthy controls. Cases underwent skin hypersensitivity tests.


RESULTS
Cases, age 21.1 +/- 14.9; Controls, age 23.9 +/- 15.6. Most frequent skin hypersensitivity: Dermatophagoides pt (62%), Zea Maiz (44%), and Cockroach (37%). Tympanometry of cases showed negative values of peak tympanometric pressure in both children and adults (P < or = 0.05). Among children under 11 years of age, 15.5% tympanograms showed abnormal curves (13% C curves and 3% B curves); among the control group only normal curves were found (type A).


CONCLUSIONS
Allergic rhinitis patients have a higher risk of eustachian tube dysfunction, particularly during childhood. Tympanometry is a noninvasive, readily available procedure that may be useful in these patients to prevent chronic middle-ear disease.
Lazo-Sáenz
Juan Gerardo
JG
Otorhinolaryngology Department, Speciality Hospital No 71, Social Security Mexican Institute, Torreón, Coahuila, México. veromart@internetual.com.mx
Galván-Aguilera
Armando Alejando
AA
Martínez-Ordaz
Verónica Araceli
VA
Velasco-Rodríguez
Víctor Manuel
VM
Nieves-Rentería
Armando
A
Rincón-Castañeda
Cuauhtémoc
C
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012016:Reference Values; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors