[Serous otitis media and allergy in our health district].

UNLABELLED: We studied the role of allergic diseases in patients with otitis media with effusion (OME).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The 40 patients diagnosed with OME in the Otorhinolaryngology Service in 2001 were referred to the Allergy Unit for evaluation. The patients were assessed through anamnesis, prick test and specific IgE determination for the allergens in our area.

RESULTS

In 72 % of the patiens allergologic study was negative. One patient had perennial rhinitis with sensitization to house dust mites and another had seasonal rhinitis with sensitization to Gramineae pollen. Five patients showed high total IgE. Two patients had positive skin prick test and specific IgE to Gramineae pollen but were asymptomatic and a further two patients had negative anamnesis and specific IgE to Gramineae and olive pollen, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Allergic disease does not cause OME except in some patients with allergic rhinitis.