Eustachian tube dysfunction in allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE: To assess eustachian tube function in patients with allergic rhinitis and compare them with a control group. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Tympanometry was performed in 130 patients (260 ears), divided into 2 groups: 80 cases with allergic rhinitis and 50 healthy controls. Cases underwent skin hypersensitivity tests. RESULTS: Cases, age 21.1 +/- 14.9; Controls, age 23.9 +/- 15.6. Most frequent skin hypersensitivity: Dermatophogoides pt (62%), Zea Maiz (44%), and Cockroach (37%). Tympanometry of cases showed negative values of peak tympanometric pressure in both children and adults (P <= 0.05). Among children under 11 years of age, 15.5% tympanograms showed abnormal curves (13% C curves and 3% B curves); among the control group only normal curves were found (type A). CONCLUSION: Allergic rhinitis patients have a higher risk of eustachian tube dysfunction, particularly during childhood. Tympanometry is a noninvasive, readily available procedure that may be useful in these patients to prevent chronic middle-ear disease.