Prevalence of otitis media with effusion in children with allergic rhinitis, a cross sectional study

Otitis media with effusion (OME) may be caused by various factors including Eustachian tube dysfunction, inflammatory response as well as atopy. Allergic rhinitis (AR), a common chronic disorder in children, is associated with swelling of the mucosa and can therefore result in Eustachian tube dysfunction. This study aims to compare the prevalence of OME in subjects with and without AR.

Children aged 4-12 were recruited from the clinics at Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong. Subjects recruited were interviewed and a questionnaire filled in regarding nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching of the nose and/or post nasal discharge (ARIR document). The children were then examined by a doctor using a pneumatic otoscopy and a portable tympanometer. Children found to have OME were offered a follow-up visit 3 months later.

12 out of 159 (7.5%) of the AR group were found to have OME compared with 3 out of 185 (1.6%) in the non-AR group, p=0.016. During the 2nd visit at 3 months, 85.7% of the AR subjects showed resolution of their OME.

Our data showed a significant difference in the prevalence of OME between AR and non-AR subjects. Of the 185 non AR subjects (Control group), 3 was found to have OME, suggesting a point prevalence of OME of 1.6% in the community in Hong Kong. OME is more likely to occur in children with allergic rhinitis and it may be wiser to manage OME in these individuals differently.