Relation between nasal and middle ear allergy. Experimental study.

This study was undertaken to clarify the relation between nasal allergy and otitis media with effusion and to observe histologically the allergic changes in the eustachian tube itself in animals. Allergic changes in the eustachian tube and tympanic cavity were clearly observed histologically when the antigen had been introduced into the tympanic cavity of sensitized guinea pigs. On the other hand, administration of the antigen into the nose produced marked allergic changes in the nose and pharynx but no change in the eustachian tube or tympanic cavity. In view of these findings, it is suggested that allergy of the nose bears little direct relation to that of the middle ear and the eustachian tube.