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The Influence of Age on the Relationship Between Allergic Rhinitis and Otitis Media

  • Otitis (DP Skoner, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To examine the relationship between otitis media, allergic rhinitis, and age.

Recent Findings

Otitis media and allergic rhinitis are prevalent conditions with a controversial relationship. Some data suggest that these entities are significantly associated, either through allergic rhinitis inducing Eustachian tube dysfunction or through allergic pathophysiology simultaneously occurring intranasally and in the ear. Other studies, however, have refuted this relationship. For example, treatment with antihistamines does not reliably improve OME, making causation and association challenging to establish. Age may have an effect on the nature of the relationship between allergic rhinitis and otitis media, by impacting both the individual conditions and their association. Epidemiological, immunological, and adenoidal studies have suggested that differences occur with age, and this review encapsulates the related data and publications. We begin by evaluating how allergic rhinitis and otitis media each are affected by age, then evaluate the role that age may have in the relationship between the two conditions. Adult and pediatric literature are evaluated so as to include the full impact of age across patients’ lifespan.

Summary

Age induces changes in immunity, patterns of inflammation, and susceptibility to both allergic rhinitis and otitis media with effusion. Age may also be an effect modifier which impacts the nature of the relationship between these two conditions. The influence of age on the association between these highly prevalent conditions remains a topic of active study.

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  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Rachel E. Roditi & Jennifer J. Shin

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  1. Rachel E. Roditi
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Correspondence to Jennifer J. Shin.

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Conflict of Interest

Rachel Roditi is a consultant on clinical trials for Knopp, Allakos, Sanofi and Roche Genentech in the study of nasal polyps. Jennifer Shin receives textbook royalties from Evidence-Based Otolaryngology, Shin JJ, Randolph GW, editors; New York: Springer, 2008, and from Otolaryngology Prep and Practice. Shin JJ, Cunningham MJ, editors; Plural Publishing, 2013. JJS is a recipient of the American Academy of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Maureen Hannley grant, the Brigham Care Redesign Program Award, and the Schlager Family Innovations Fund Award.

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Roditi, R.E., Shin, J.J. The Influence of Age on the Relationship Between Allergic Rhinitis and Otitis Media. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 18, 68 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-018-0826-2

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