[Allergic rhinitis as a possible etiologic cause eustachian tube dysfunction].

INTRODUCTION: Allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract are becoming one of the leading factors in the etiology of Eustachian tube dysfunctions. Eustachian tube dysfunctions are one of the three most significant etiologic factors of secretory otitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The most numerous group, aged 5-9 years, included 80% of subjects. Type B tympanogram was found in 173 (86.50%), and type C in 27 (13.50%) ears. Positive family anamnesis for allergic diseases was found in 26 (26%) subjects. A positive skin test for standard group in inhalatory allergen was present in 21 (21%) subjects. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Sex and age distribution of subjects correlate with data of other sources. A significantly higher incidence is found in the age group of 5-9 years. In presented sources the incidence of allergic diseases and Eustachian tube dysfunction is relatively wide and ranges between 20 and 50%. Results obtained by our research correlate with the mentioned values. CONCLUSION: This paper reports results of our own research of the incidence of allergic rhinitis, in cases of tympanometrically proven Eustachian tube dysfunction, in patients 5 to 19 years of age. Allergic rhinitis to inhalatory allergens was diagnosed in 21% of subjects. Based on the above mentioned we can conclude that one out of four patients aged between 5 and 19 with the diagnosed Eustachian tube dysfunction also suffers from allergic rhinitis. The consulted sources confirm that allergic rhinitis can be considered as one of the leading etiological factors of Eustachian tube dysfunction.