[The results of tympanometry in children with adenoid hypertrophy and coexisting allergy]

Abstract

Adenoid, nasal and middle ear diseases are frequent health problems for young children. Allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract are becoming one of the leading factors in the etiology of Eustachian tube dysfunctions and this dysfunction is the most significant etiologic factor of secretory otitis (OMS). To examine the influence of atopy on the OMS we studied 89 children ages 4 to 10 years, with an average age of 6.2 who had adenoid hypertrophy and pathologic audiometry. In 36 children the skin tests showed an allergy, mostly to different kinds of pollen or house dust. There was a statistically significant difference in tympanometry by chi-square analysis, between allergy positive and allergy negative group. Type B tympanogram was found in 72% children whit coexisting atopy and in 21% without atopy however type C only in 19% allergic children and in 70% children without atopy.

Conclusion: Children with allergic disorders of upper respiratory tract should be investigated by tympanometry for OMS.