Current concepts of otitis media in adults as a reflux-related disease

To review the findings of otitis media in adults in relation to supraesophageal reflux of gastrointestinal contents and summarize current concepts.

Literature published in English-language journals from 2001 to the present identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science).

Clinical articles that contained the terms reflux, ear, otitis media, and adult and relevant animal studies.

Findings of searchable case reports and results of animal studies were included.

Current findings were reviewed for the following points: 1) proposed effect of reflux, 2) prevalence and characteristics, 3) risk factors, and 4) treatment.

Published literature concerning reflux and otitis media in adults is limited to clinical case series. Reflux is likely present in a significant number of adult cases with otitis media and may lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction in such subjects. Reflux in adult subjects with otitis media is potentially different from the physiologic events observed in children, but the causal link between them remains unclear. Evaluation of more cases that could be diagnosed as reflux-induced otitis media is necessary for better understanding of the disease entity.