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Eustachian tube function associated with histamine-induced and ragweed-induced rhinitis
J W Georgitis1, S M Gold, J M Bernstein
1Department of Pediatrics, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Annals of Allergy
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Nasal allergies and histamine challenges did not consistently cause Eustachian tube obstruction in patients with mild rhinitis symptoms. Further research is needed to understand the link between allergies and middle ear issues.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Allergy Immunology
Background:
- Nasal allergies are suspected to contribute to Eustachian tube dysfunction and chronic middle ear conditions.
- Understanding this association is crucial for managing ear health in allergic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between nasal allergic reactions and Eustachian tube function.
- To determine if histamine or ragweed nasal provocation induces Eustachian tube obstruction.
Main Methods:
- Ten allergic and eight non-allergic patients underwent repetitive nasal provocation with histamine or ragweed allergens.
- Eustachian tube function was assessed using a 9-step inflation-deflation tympanometric test before and after nasal challenges.
- Provocation continued until moderate rhinitis symptoms appeared.
Main Results:
- Eustachian tube obstruction occurred in 4/38 non-allergic ears during histamine challenge and 9/42 allergic ears during ragweed challenge.
- Observed changes in ear function were not statistically significant due to response variability.
- Histamine or ragweed provocation, at levels causing rhinitis symptoms, did not consistently obstruct the Eustachian tube.
Conclusions:
- Mild symptoms of allergic rhinitis may not lead to significant Eustachian tube obstruction.
- The direct link between mild allergic rhinitis and Eustachian tube dysfunction requires further investigation.