Author/Editor		Žargi, M; Hočevar-Boltežar, I; Podboj, J; Kuhar, M
Title		Vloga alergije v etiopatogenezi izlivnega vnetja srednjega ušesa
Translated title		The role of allergy in the etiopathogenesis of otitis media with effusion
Type		članek
Source		Zdrav Vestn
Vol. and No.		Letnik 63, št. 5
Publication year		1994
Volume		str. 299-303
Language		slo
Abstract		Background. Otitis media with effusion (OME), a frequent children's disease still represents an unsolved diagnostic and above all, therapeutic problem. Dysfunction of the auditory tube prevailingly attributable to enlarged adenoids is believed to be the most important etiopathogenetic factor. Allergy (hypersensitivity type 1) is stated as another possible cause for auditory tube dysfunction. The authors have assessed the role of allergy in the diagnosis and treatment of OME. Methods. Our study was carried out in a group of 50 consecutively enrolled children who underwent adenoidectomy and myringotomy due to more than 3 month history of persistent OME. The possibility of allergic rhinitis was established by anamnesis, rhinoscopy, semiquantitative screening for specific IgE in the serum, and -in selected cases- also by skin tests and the evaluation of total IgE, and specific IgE levels in the serum. Results. Allergy was reliably confirmed in one child only (2 per cent ), while in another one (2 per cent ) there was strong suspicion for allergic rhinitis. In 8 children (16 per cent ) the possibility of allergic rhinitis was taken into account on the basis their anamnestic data and rhinoscopic findings, though the allergologic tests failed to provide a reliable evidence. The incidence of allergy in children with OME did not differ from that established in the total population of children. Conclusion. Our study has not confirmed a decisive role of allergy (hypersensitivity type I) in the etiopathogenesis of OME in children.
Descriptors		OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION HYPERSENSITIVITY CHILD IGE HAY FEVER INTRADERMAL TESTS MEDICAL HISTORY TAKING