Association between allergic rhinitis and eustachian tube dysfunction in adults: A cross-sectional study

Background

Allergic inflammation of the nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa may impair opening of the Eustachian tube and disturb middle-ear pressure regulation. Adult data remain less extensive than pediatric evidence, particularly in routine Indian ENT practice. The study is designed to examine the association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) in adults and to determine whether ETD frequency increases with AR severity. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 240 adults aged 18–60 years. Participants were classified as AR (n=120) or non-AR controls (n=120). ETD symptoms were assessed using the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7), and middle-ear status was evaluated by otoscopy and tympanometry. Dilatory ETD was defined by an ETDQ-7 score ≥14.5 together with a type B or C tympanogram in at least one ear. Group differences were tested with chi-square and t tests; odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.