Eosinophilic Otitis Media Is Associated with Asthma Severity and Smoking History

Abstract

Purpose: Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is an intractable otitis media characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the middle ear and a strong association with asthma. We investigated the relationship between EOM and asthma severity, asthma risk factors, lung function, and airway structural changes assessed by high-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scanning. Materials and Methods: Forty-one asthma patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (18 men and 23 women; mean age 56 years; age range 25-82 years) were included in this study. EOM was diagnosed according to the published diagnostic criteria. Asthma severity and risk factors for asthma, such as smoking history (Brinkman index, BI), were examined. Airway wall thickness and emphysema were assessed with HRCT scanning by a blinded respiratory specialist using a validated method. Lung function was measured using standard procedures. Results: EOM was diagnosed in 34% of the patients. Asthma severity, BI and airway wall thickness were each statistically greater in patients with EOM than in patients without EOM. Conclusion: There was a close relationship between EOM and asthma severity in asthma patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Cessation of smoking might help prevent EOM by reducing airway wall thickness.

Aetiology and pathology of otitis media with effusion in adult life

“…[34][35][36] The effusions in this condition are reported as being highly viscous, yellow in colour and containing eosinophyls. 34 Eosinophilic otitis media typically occurs in females in their fifties, and may be associated with eosinophilic sinusitis and nasal polyposis.…”

Regulation of Interaction Between the Upper and Lower Airways in United Airway Disease

“…Nguyen et al suggested that similar allergic inflammation linked AR and otitis media with effusion and that the middle ear is a part of the united airway in atopic individuals [18]. Seo et al reported that eosinophilic otitis media was associated with asthma severity [20], and the treatment of asthma improved eosinophilic otitis media [19]. Although little is known about the precise mechanisms for these relationships, it is postulated that chemical mediators released during an allergic reaction in the nose affect the middle ear through the nasolacrimal duct and lacrimal system or indirectly via the blood stream [19,21].…”

A Retrospective Analysis of γδ T Cell Expression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Its Association with Recurrence of Nasal Polyps

“…Tissue eosinophilia markedly outweighed other parameters and correlated with polyp recurrence with a cutoff value of 27%; tissue eosinophils predicted recurrence with 96.7% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity. In addition, eosinophilic inflammation has a close relationship with asthma severity in asthma patients with CRS [13]. Thus, further understanding of distinct inflammatory features of different subtypes of CRS will be of great value in elucidating the pathogenesis of CRS, especially in Asian patients.…”