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Clearance by the mucociliary system in 'simple chronic otitis media'
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|August 1, 1979
Summary
This study shows that the Eustachian tube and middle ear clearance function are generally intact in chronic otitis media and atelectatic ears. Infection slows down this clearance mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Physiology
Background:
- Chronic otitis media and atelectatic ears can affect middle ear function.
- Assessing Eustachian tube patency and mucociliary clearance is crucial for understanding middle ear health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the middle ear clearance rate in patients with chronic otitis media and atelectatic ears.
- To determine the impact of infection on Eustachian tube transport function.
Main Methods:
- Saccharin, a non-soluble substance, was introduced into the middle ear of 122 patients.
- Clearance rate was measured by the time taken for subjects to taste saccharin.
- Patients with cholesteatoma were excluded from the study.
Main Results:
- Non-infected chronic ears cleared saccharin in an average of 33 minutes.
- Wet or infected chronic otitis media ears showed a significantly slower clearance rate (average 54 minutes).
- Atelectatic ears cleared saccharin in an average of 50 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Most ears with simple chronic otitis media and atelectatic ears possess a patent Eustachian tube.
- The mucociliary system in these ears is capable of transporting foreign particles.
- Middle ear infection significantly slows down the clearance transport rate.