[Reactions of mucous membrane in middle ear]

Antibiotic therapy has transformed classic picture of otitis media, especially as a result of changed immunological conditions. Histopathology of the mucous membrane has shown badly inflamed and healing areas close together. Cellular proliferation, as in granulomas and adhesion formation, has now become more important than purulent complications. The middle ear drainage, normally provided by good function of the eustachian tube and a drum perforation have now become a focus of interest. A blocked tube and an intact eardrum cause not only serous otitis media but, when untreated, otitis media chronica adhesiva as well. We have studied these problems histologically, histochemically and cytologically.