Eosinophilic otitis media is associated with asthma severity and smoking history.

PURPOSE Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is an intractable otitis media characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the middle ear and a strong association with asthma. We investigated the relationship between EOM and asthma severity, asthma risk factors, lung function, and airway structural changes assessed by high-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scanning. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one asthma patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (18 men and 23 women; mean age 56 years; age range 25-82 years) were included in this study. EOM was diagnosed according to the published diagnostic criteria. Asthma severity and risk factors for asthma, such as smoking history (Brinkman index, BI), were examined. Airway wall thickness and emphysema were assessed with HRCT scanning by a blinded respiratory specialist using a validated method. Lung function was measured using standard procedures. RESULTS EOM was diagnosed in 34% of the patients. Asthma severity, BI and airway wall thickness were each statistically greater in patients with EOM than in patients without EOM. CONCLUSION There was a close relationship between EOM and asthma severity in asthma patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Cessation of smoking might help prevent EOM by reducing airway wall thickness.