Prevalence of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: An Observational Cross-sectional Study

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Its sequelae cause burgeoning of several middle ear diseases. Testing of ETD is a diagnostic challenge and requires objective methods of assessment. Materials and Methods: In our prospective observational study, 402 patients with AR were grouped into mild and moderate to severe AR. Nasal endoscopy, tympanometry, and Williams test were used for objective assessment of ETD. The severity and laterality of ETD were assessed and the prevalence of the same was calculated. Statistical Analysis: The graphical tabulation of data was prepared using MS Excel 2010. Unpaired t-test was used to compare the study groups and the association among the groups was extracted with the help of Fisher’s test and Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mild AR was found in 44.5% of cases, while moderate to severe AR was seen in 55.5% of cases. 38.1% of cases of AR had ETD, out of which significant population (28.6%) had bilateral involvement. The dysfunction was partial or complete in 22.2% and 15.9% patients, respectively. 38.6% of patients had a type C curve on tympanometry in patients with AR and the rest had type A curve. Conclusions: AR patients have a higher propensity to develop bilateral ETD. The patients having moderate to severe AR have more ETD. A tympanometry will only provide information regarding ETD, whether present or absent, whereas ET function tests such as Williams test provide information regarding the functionality of ET and severity of ETD. It is recommended that all newly diagnosed cases of AR should be evaluated for ETD and be followed up regularly.