Is There an Association Between Otitis Media and Nasal Polyposis?

Abstract

The association between otitis media with effusion (OME) and nasal polyposis (NP) is poorly described. However, two different approaches to this problem seem to come from the few studies concerning both otitis media and NP in the literature. One study was based on the assessment of a population of patients presenting with NP, with the authors interested in patients among the studied population who complained of ear-related symptoms and developed OME (rhinologic approach). Other studies were based on the assessment of a population of patients developing a particular OME, with the authors interested in characterizing this condition they named eosinophilic otitis media (otologic approach). The article reviews currents concepts in the relationship between OME and NP. It appears that regardless of the approach to the problem of interest (rhinologic or otologic approach), OME and NP seem to be closely related. Moreover, some striking similarities can be noted between the different entities described in the different studies reviewed, and all authors seem to agree that the middle ear has a central role in the concept of united airways inflammatory disease. Otologists and rhinologists should work together on a single approach that allows for better management of inflammatory disease leading to the formation of polyps, development of concurrent asthma, appearance of aspirin intolerance, and finally involvement of the middle ear.