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Maxillary sinusitis in children with otitis media with effusion
R P Mills1, B S Irani, R J Vaughan-Jones
1Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Sinus infection is not a primary cause of childhood otitis media with effusion (OME). While some cases show links between sinus and middle ear issues, treating sinus infections only benefits a small subset of children with OME.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children.
- The role of concurrent sinus infections in OME is not fully understood.
- Maxillary sinusitis is a potential, though often overlooked, comorbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and impact of maxillary sinus infection in children diagnosed with OME.
- To determine if sinus infection is a significant etiological factor in OME.
- To assess the effect of treating sinus infections on middle ear disease.
Main Methods:
- Sinus radiographs were performed on 240 children with OME.
- Maxillary sinus washouts (antral lavage) were conducted when radiographs suggested infection.
- Correlation between sinus and middle ear findings was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Abnormal sinus radiographs were found in 28% of cases.
- Only 7% (16 cases) had confirmed sinus infections via antral lavage.
- A relationship between maxillary sinus and middle ear findings was observed in some cases.
- Successful sinus infection treatment showed improvement in middle ear disease in some patients.
Conclusions:
- Sinus infection appears to be an infrequent cause of OME in children.
- Maxillary sinus infections may be relevant in a small proportion of OME cases.
- Treatment of sinus infections can potentially improve concurrent middle ear conditions.