Exploring the Connection of Otitis Media with Effusion and Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review.
- 1Instituto Santa Marta de Ensino e Pesquisa, Hospital Santa Marta, Taguatinga, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- 2Medicine Program, Centro Universitário do Planalto Central Apparecido dos Santos (UNICEPLAC), Gama, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- 3Health Sciences School, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
Abstract
Introduction
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is characterized by fluid accumulation in the middle ear behind an intact eardrum, often coexisting with allergic rhinitis, an inflammatory nasal condition causing symptoms such as nasal obstruction. Both conditions are prevalent in children and may share immune-mediated mechanisms linked to the unified airway concept. Previous studies suggest allergic rhinitis contributes to Eustachian-tube dysfunction and middle-ear effusion persistence, but the understanding of their interplay remains incomplete.Objective
To evaluate the association between allergic rhinitis and OME, identifying risk factors, diagnostic methods, and potential therapeutic strategies.Methods
The current systematic review adhered to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We conducted a search on the PubMed database using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) otitis media with effusion and rhinitis, Allergic; we identified 181 articles, which were narrowed to 15 based on the inclusion criteria.Results
Most studies revealed a significant association between allergic rhinitis and OME, particularly in children. Diagnostic methods such as intradermal dilution testing showed higher sensitivity than skin prick tests. Immunotherapy effectively addressed both conditions, even in cases with negative prick tests. Reduced micro ribonucleic acid (microRNA) 320e (miR-320e) expression was noted in allergic OME, suggesting potential as a biomarker. Surgical intervention provided symptom relief, but addressing underlying allergies proved essential. The studies were predominantly from China (20%) and the United States (13.3%).Conclusion
Allergic rhinitis plays a crucial role in OME development and symptom exacerbation. Immunotherapy may serve as a preventive strategy, emphasizing the need for clinical guidelines. The present study bridges gaps in regional medical literature, offering valuable insights for clinicians and highlighting the need for further research to optimize pediatric care outcomes.
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BibTeX
@article{bezerra2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring the Connection of Otitis Media with Effusion and Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review.}},
author = {Álef Lamark Alves Bezerra and Gabriela Brill Ney and Fayez Bahmad},
journal = {International archives of otorhinolaryngology},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1055/s-0046-1819713},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42899070},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring the Connection of Otitis Media with Effusion and Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review.
AU - Álef Lamark Alves Bezerra
AU - Gabriela Brill Ney
AU - Fayez Bahmad
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - International archives of otorhinolaryngology
DO - 10.1055/s-0046-1819713
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42899070
AB - Introduction Otitis media with effusion (OME) is characterized by fluid accumulation in the middle ear behind an intact eardrum, often coexisting with allergic rhinitis, an inflammatory nasal condition causing symptoms such as nasal obstruction. Both conditions are prevalent in children and may share immune-mediated mechanisms linked to the unified airway concept. Previous studies suggest allergic rhinitis contributes to Eustachian-tube dysfunction and middle-ear effusion persistence, but the understanding of their interplay remains incomplete.Objective To evaluate the association between allergic rhinitis and OME, identifying risk factors, diagnostic methods, and potential therapeutic strategies.Methods The current systematic review adhered to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We conducted a search on the PubMed database using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) otitis media with effusion and rhinitis, Allergic; we identified 181 articles, which were narrowed to 15 based on the inclusion criteria.Results Most studies revealed a significant association between allergic rhinitis and OME, particularly in children. Diagnostic methods such as intradermal dilution testing showed higher sensitivity than skin prick tests. Immunotherapy effectively addressed both conditions, even in cases with negative prick tests. Reduced micro ribonucleic acid (microRNA) 320e (miR-320e) expression was noted in allergic OME, suggesting potential as a biomarker. Surgical intervention provided symptom relief, but addressing underlying allergies proved essential. The studies were predominantly from China (20%) and the United States (13.3%).Conclusion Allergic rhinitis plays a crucial role in OME development and symptom exacerbation. Immunotherapy may serve as a preventive strategy, emphasizing the need for clinical guidelines. The present study bridges gaps in regional medical literature, offering valuable insights for clinicians and highlighting the need for further research to optimize pediatric care outcomes.
SN - 1809-9777
SN - 1809-4864
ER -