Turbinate Hypertrophy, Allergic Rhinitis, and Otitis Media.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Otitis media (OM) is a disease with high prevalence in infancy; it has a substantial burden on healthcare resources and a relevant impact on the quality of life of families. The link between OM and allergic rhinitis (AR) is still debated. However, there is agreement about the relevance of type 2 inflammation on turbinate hypertrophy (TH) generation. There is also evidence that TH is associated with middle ear dysventilation: a pathogenic factor promoting OM. Therefore, a vicious circle among AR, TH, and OM may occur.

RECENT FINDINGS: There are some recent studies exploring this issue through different approaches, such as epidemiological, mechanistic, and therapeutic. Identifying allergy as a pathogenic factor for OM could improve the management of OM patients. Vice versa, suspecting AR in OM patients could be reasonable in selected patients. The current narrative review provides an overview of the evidence concerning the potential role of AR, and associated TH, in OM patients.