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Current Allergy and Asthma Reports

Published in:

01-09-2016 | Otitis (DP Skoner, Section Editor)

Interaction Between Allergy and Middle Ear Infection

Authors: Jeong-Hoon Oh, Woo Jin Kim

Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports | Issue 9/2016

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent studies have attempted to identify interactions among the causes of otitis media with effusion (OME). This review discusses the interaction between allergy and infection with regard to host and environmental factors in terms of the development of OME.

Recent Findings

Protection of the upper airway against microbial invasion requires active interaction between the defense mechanisms of the respiratory epithelium, including innate and adaptive immunity, and mechanical factors. The impairment of these defenses due to allergy and/or increased bacterial resistance may lead to increased susceptibility to infectious organisms in the respiratory tract and middle ear mucosa. Recent genetic studies have provided valuable information about the association of Toll-like receptor signaling variations with clinical phenotypes and the risk of infection in the middle ear.

Summary

Among the causal factors of OME, allergy not only induces an inflammatory reaction in the middle ear cavity but also facilitates the invasion of infectious pathogens. There is also evidence that allergy can affect the susceptibility of patients to infection of the upper respiratory tract, including the middle ear cavity.

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Title: Interaction Between Allergy and Middle Ear Infection
Authors: Jeong-Hoon Oh
Woo Jin Kim
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 1529-7322
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6315
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-016-0646-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Interaction Between Allergy and Middle Ear Infection

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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