Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 7, 2025

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

27.4K

Otitis Media and Obesity-An Unusual Relationship in Children

Cristina Gavrilovici1, Elena-Lia Spoială1, Anca-Viorica Ivanov1

  • 1Pediatrics Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Obesity and overweight may increase the risk of otitis media (OM), an ear infection. Conversely, ear infections might also elevate the risk of obesity, highlighting a complex bidirectional relationship.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Otitis media (OM) is a primary cause of preventable hearing loss in children.
  • Established risk factors for OM include prematurity, low birth weight, and tobacco exposure.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between obesity and increased OM incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on the relationship between otitis media and obesity.
  • To discuss the interconnectivity and potential mechanisms linking these two conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted an electronic literature search in PubMed and EMBASE databases.
  • Included 15 relevant articles from an initial pool of 176 references.

Main Results:

  • Findings suggest that obesity and overweight are potential risk factors for developing OM.
  • The relationship appears bidirectional, with OM potentially increasing obesity risk.
  • Proposed mechanisms include altered cytokine profiles, increased gastroesophageal reflux, and fat accumulation in obese individuals.
  • Middle ear inflammation from OM may lead to taste alterations, contributing to obesity.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity and overweight may represent significant risk factors for otitis media.
  • The interplay between OM and obesity warrants further investigation.
  • Understanding these connections can inform public health strategies for both conditions.

Keywords:
childrenobesityotitis media

More Related Videos

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes08:30

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes

Published on: March 15, 2018

14.4K
Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation07:46

Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation

Published on: April 3, 2017

25.6K

Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
872
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients01:21

Drug Dosing: Obese Patients

In the United States, obesity is a prominent concern. It is linked to heightened mortality rates due to increased occurrences of conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and diabetes compared to nonobese individuals. A patient is classified as obese if their actual body weight surpasses the ideal or desirable body weight by 20%, based on Metropolitan Life Insurance Company data. Ideal body weights consider average weights and heights for males and females...
44
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution01:25

Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution

Obesity significantly alters the pharmacokinetic processes of drug absorption and distribution, presenting unique challenges in medical treatment. The increased fat tissue and decreased lean muscle in obese individuals can significantly affect how drugs are absorbed into the body and distributed across different tissues. This alteration can lead to variances in the effectiveness and safety of medications, necessitating adjustments in dosing or drug selection for obese patients.One notable...
65
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion01:20

Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion

Drug metabolism, a critical process in the liver, involves two primary phases: Phase I reactions and Phase II conjugation. Obesity introduces significant alterations in this metabolic process, primarily due to fatty infiltration of the liver, leading to conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can modify the activities of both Phase I and II enzymes, impacting how drugs are metabolized in obese patients.Phase I metabolism sees variable effects across...
44
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
3.6K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:22

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
1.8K