The role of nasal and sinus surgery in otitis media

Abstract

The effects of changes in the nose and paranasal sinuses are often felt in the middle ear. The conduit that reflects these changes is the eustachian tube. Otitis media is frequently secondary to eustachian tube dysfunction, which in turn is often a result of infections originating in the nose and the paranasal sinuses. The rest of the respiratory tract is also influenced by diseases that occur in the nose and sinuses. Thus, it is logical to treat nasal and paranasal diseases simultaneously to achieve a positive outcome in the treatment of otitis media. The normal function of the nasal and sinus cavities is influenced by the structures in the nasal cavity. Structural problems in the nose and sinuses will adversely affect their normal functions, leading to disease and possibly disrupting the function of the eustachian tube. Surgery to correct nasal and paranasal sinus problems will prevent these problems from affecting the eustachian tube. Nasal and paranasal surgery has dual purposes. They are (1) restoration of the normal functioning of the nose and paranasal sinuses, and (2) prevention of recurrent attacks of otitis media and infections of the respiratory tract. The effects of changes in the nose and paranasal sinuses are often felt in the middle ear. The conduit that reflects these changes is the eustachian tube. Otitis media is frequently secondary to eustachian tube dysfunction, which in turn is often a result of infections originating in the nose and the paranasal sinuses. The rest of the respiratory tract is also influenced by diseases that occur in the nose and sinuses. Thus, it is logical to treat nasal and paranasal diseases simultaneously to achieve a positive outcome in the treatment of otitis media. The normal function of the nasal and sinus cavities is influenced by the structures in the nasal cavity. Structural problems in the nose and sinuses will adversely affect their normal functions, leading to disease and possibly disrupting the function of the eustachian tube. Surgery to correct nasal and paranasal sinus problems will prevent these problems from affecting the eustachian tube. Nasal and paranasal surgery has dual purposes. They are (1) restoration of the normal functioning of the nose and paranasal sinuses, and (2) prevention of recurrent attacks of otitis media and infections of the respiratory tract.