Evaluation of Allergies in Children with Recurrent Ear and Sinus Infections

Abstract

In children, environmental allergy is one of the factors that may contribute to the development of recurrent or chronic sinusitis and otitis. We aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of allergies in children with recurrent and/or chronic ENT infections. We reviewed medical records of children who were referred to pediatric allergy and immunology clinic between July 2009 and July 2012 with the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis, recurrent sinusitis, recurrent otitis, and chronic otitis. Patients with cystic fibrosis and anatomic defects were excluded. Allergic evaluation included allergy skin prick test or ImmunoCAP assay for environmental allergens (dust mites, cat, dog, cockroach, pollens, and mold spores) and if indicated for food allergens. Demographic data, including age and sex, and concomitant disorders, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy and drug allergy, were recorded. To date, 67 charts were reviewed. Mean age was 6.3 years. Sixty-four patients underwent allergy evaluation by either skin test or blood test. Fifteen patients (23.5%) had positive test: 7 patients for indoor allergens only, 1 patient for outdoor allergens only, and 7 for both indoor and outdoor allergens. Atopic dermatitis and food allergy were more common in allergen-sensitized children and asthma was more common in non allergic children. Allergy evaluation should be considered in children with recurrent or chronic sinus and ear infections.