Otitis media in adults as a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the clinical relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

Sixty patients with OME with unknown causes were asked to answer a new questionnaire specific for the diagnosis of GER disease; pepsinogen (PG) levels in their middle-ear effusions (MEEs) were measured.

RESULTS:

The percentage of patients with high PG concentrations in their MEEs was significantly higher in those with questionnaire-positive GER than in those with questionnaire-negative GER. OME was present bilaterally in a significantly higher percentage of patients with questionnaire-positive GER. The PG levels decreased in some of the patients after receiving proton pump inhibitors, which also decreased the symptoms of GER.

CONCLUSION:

The presence of PG in MEEs supports the existence of GER; treatment for GER should be considered in patients with ear complaints, especially in those who have GER-related symptoms.

• Authors: Michihiko Sone, Yuri Yamamuro, Hideo Hayashi, Yasumasa Niwa, Tsutomu Nakashima
• Journal: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg) Vol. 136 Issue 1 Pg. 19-22 (Jan 2007) ISSN: 0194-5998 [Print] England
• PMID: 17210327 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Pepsinogen A

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Exudates and Transudates (chemistry)
• Female
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Otitis Media with Effusion (etiology)
• Pepsinogen A (analysis)
• Surveys and Questionnaires