Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders
05:34

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2023

2.2K

Is there an increased risk of otitis media in children with obstructive sleep apnea?

Chloe Cottone1, Eunice Im2, Sean Clausen3

  • 1Jacobs School Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, 955 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|June 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) have higher rates of otitis media and related surgeries. Conditions like allergic rhinitis may contribute to both OSA and ear infections in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition in children.
  • The association between OSA and otolaryngologic disorders requires further investigation.
  • Understanding these links can inform clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of otitis media and related conditions in children with OSA.
  • To compare these prevalences against a cohort of children without OSA.
  • To identify potential contributing factors for observed differences.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the US Collaborative Network within TriNetX.
  • Patients were categorized into OSA (ICD-10 G47.33) and non-OSA groups, with propensity score matching for age, sex, and race.
  • Prevalence of otitis media, chronic otitis media, tympanostomy, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, adenotonsillectomy, and allergic rhinitis were compared.

Main Results:

  • Children with OSA showed significantly higher likelihoods of otitis media (1.27x) and chronic otitis media (3.86x).
  • Increased rates of tympanostomy (3.81x) and surgeries like adenoidectomy (4.1x), tonsillectomy (18.2x), and adenotonsillectomy (24.7x) were observed in the OSA group.
  • Children with OSA were also more likely to have allergic rhinitis (2.03x).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric OSA is associated with a greater incidence of otitis media and subsequent surgical interventions.
  • The increased prevalence of allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy in children with OSA may explain the higher frequency of acute otitis media (AOM).
  • These findings highlight the interconnectedness of respiratory and ear conditions in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnalgesicsObstructive sleep apneaOtitis mediaTympanostomy

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach04:53

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach

Published on: October 18, 2024

755
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

19.8K

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
143
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
233
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
824
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
267
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
109
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...
1.2K