The aetiology and sequelae of exudative otitis media

Chronic otitis media with effusion (glue ear) and adenotonsillectomy: prospective randomised controlled study.

“…Middle ear effusions have been detected where the adenoids either are not enlarged or have been removed. 22 23 Independently, Gerwat,24 Hibbert,25 and Maw et a126 found no correlation between size of the adenoids radiologically or volumetrically and the presence or absence of otitis media with effusion. By contrast, however, we have shown a significant reduction in the postnasal space airway (p <0 05) in children with the condition compared with age matched controls (A R Maw, W D Jeans, unpublished data).…”

Relationship between tympanic membrane retraction and habitual sniffing in patients with cholesteatoma

“…Blockages of air ventilation in the mesotympanum and epitympanum by mucosal lesions have been implicated as one of the factors responsible for this phenomenon [5][6][7]. In addition, the low pressure required to open eustachian tubes has been reported to play a causative role in acquired cholesteatoma in children, with the exception of stenosis [13].…”

“…In addition, Sudhoff and Tos [4] indicated that most cases of acquired cholesteatoma could be explained by the combination of retraction and proliferation of the basement membrane. Blockage of air ventilation in the mesotympanum and epitympanum by mucosal lesions such as granulomas or the lesions observed in tympanosclerosis and thickening has been deemed important by some authors [5][6][7]. These reports highlight the importance of negative pressure formation in triggering retraction of the tympanic membrane.…”

Secretory Otitis media

“…In cases of relapses, insertion of a transmyringeal tube should be considered. It is doubtful, in these cases, whether adenoidectomy may improve the prognosis (6,15). After a secretory otitis media, a follow-up during some years is indicated especially since the disease does not necessarily show symp toms (5, 7).…”