Observational study of tympanic membrane changes in allergic rhinitis

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition affecting 20-30% of the population. This condition affects not only the nose but also the sinuses and ears in many ways. Many studies are there worldwide implicating AR as a cause of serous otitis media. But only few studies have actually studied the tympanic membrane (TM) changes observed in patients with allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study is to document the TM changes observed in patients with AR and to correlate them with the duration of symptoms and also influence of prior treatment of AR on the TM changes observed.Methods: A total of 111 patients and so 222 ears were studied. A detailed history of the duration of symptoms and any prior treatment for AR was recorded. The TM changes seen were classified and recorded. The duration of disease and treatment were taken as grouping variables and the tympanic membrane changes were ranked and used as testing variable. The results were statistically analyzed using non- parametric test, Kruskal – Wallis test.Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between duration of AR and the TM changes observed. However there was a significantly less number of patients with TM retraction observed in the patients who had taken prior treatment compared to those patients who had taken no prior treatment.Conclusions: It is concluded that institution of early treatment may prevent development of Eustachian tube dysfunction and TM changes in patients with AR

Study of Etiological factors, mycological profile and treatment of Otomycosis

Introduction: Otomycosis is a common condition encountered in ENT practice. Though it is not a serious condition it causes a lot of misery to the patient. Though there are many studies on various aspects about this disease, there are not many studies from this part of the country. Materials and Methods: 75 patients attending ENT OPD and diagnosed to have otomycosis were included in the study. Two aural swabs or whenever possible otomycotic debris scooped out using Jobson –Horne probe was obtained. From one swab, wet mount preparation in 10% KOH (potassium hydroxide) solution and smear for Grams stain were prepared. The second swab / otomycotic debris was directly inoculated into SDA (sabourad’s dextrose agar) medium. Results: Mycological analysis of the swab from external auditory canal showed that Aspergillus species was the most common fungus isolated followed by Candida species. All patients were treated with regular suction clearance and 1% clotrimazole ear drops. Conclusion: avoiding usage of ear buds/ unsterile material will help in prevention of otomycosis. 1% clotrimazole is effective in achieving complete mycological cure in otomycosis. Regular long term follow-up is required to effectively treat otomycosis

Observational study of tympanic membrane changes in allergic rhinitis

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition affecting 20-30% of the population. This condition affects not only the nose but also the sinuses and ears in many ways. Many studies are there worldwide implicating AR as a cause of serous otitis media. But only few studies have actually studied the tympanic membrane (TM) changes observed in patients with allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study is to document the TM changes observed in patients with AR and to correlate them with the duration of symptoms and also influence of prior treatment of AR on the TM changes observed.Methods: A total of 111 patients and so 222 ears were studied. A detailed history of the duration of symptoms and any prior treatment for AR was recorded. The TM changes seen were classified and recorded. The duration of disease and treatment were taken as grouping variables and the tympanic membrane changes were ranked and used as testing variable. The results were statistically analyzed using non- parametric test, Kruskal – Wallis test.Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between duration of AR and the TM changes observed. However there was a significantly less number of patients with TM retraction observed in the patients who had taken prior treatment compared to those patients who had taken no prior treatment.Conclusions: It is concluded that institution of early treatment may prevent development of Eustachian tube dysfunction and TM changes in patients with AR