Possible role of food allergy in chronic otitis media with effusion

ABSTRACT

The pathogenesis of chronic otitis media with effusion is multifactorial. Bacterial, viral infections, and eustachian tube blockage are believed to play major roles. However, the role of food allergy in its pathogenesis is the least well understood, so, the aim of this work was to detect the prevalence of food allergy in patients with chronic otitis media with effusion. 60 patients with chronic otitis media with effusion were included in this study, there were 37 males and 23 females. Their ages ranged between 6 and 14 years. All cases were subjected to clinical examination and audiological assessment [audiometry and tympanometry]. They were evaluated for the presence of food allergy by skin prick test, specific IgE testing and food elimination-challenge studies over a 12 weeks period with monitoring of their middle ear effusions. Based on these tests, there was a statistically significant linkage between food allergy and chronic otitis media, with effusion in 12/60 patients [20%], the highest frequencies occurred with milk [58%], egg white [41.5%], and wheat [16.5%]. We concluded that IgE-mediated food allergies may contribute to a proportion of cases of chronic otitis media with effusion especially if occurred in a younger age group, and if associated with nasal allergy