The Impact of Milk Protein Allergy on Pediatric Otitis Media Incidence

Brittani P Kongala1, Gaayathri Varavenkataraman2, Grace Maley3

  • 1Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.

The Laryngoscope
|March 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with milk protein allergy (MPA) have a higher incidence of otitis media (OM). Early diagnosis and dietary management of MPA are crucial for reducing OM risk and improving outcomes in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Otitis media (OM) is a common childhood infection.
  • Milk protein allergy (MPA) is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the link between MPA and OM is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between milk protein allergy (MPA) and the incidence of otitis media (OM) in children.
  • To compare OM rates in children with and without MPA.
  • To identify potential risk factors for OM in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX US database.
  • Inclusion of patients aged 2-17 years.
  • Propensity score matching to balance cohorts based on MPA presence.
  • Analysis of OM incidence (AOM, OME, CSOM) and frequency.

Main Results:

  • A significantly higher incidence of OM was observed in the MPA cohort (35.2%) compared to the non-MPA cohort (29.8%).
  • The odds ratio for OM in the MPA cohort was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.25-1.31, p < 0.001).
  • All types of OM were more prevalent in children with MPA.

Conclusions:

  • MPA is significantly associated with an increased risk of OM in children.
  • Early diagnosis and dietary management of MPA are vital for OM prevention.
  • Comprehensive care strategies can reduce the burden of OM in children with MPA.
Abstract

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