Chronic Otitis Media
Chronic otitis media is the permanent abnormality of the Pars Tensa or Pars Flaccida due to previous otitis media with effusion, negative middle ear pressure or acute suppurative otitis media.
Aetiology of COM
- Acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction.
- Genetics and race: Highest in Eskimos, native Americans, New Zealand Maoris and Australian aborigines.
- Environment: COM is higher in low socioeconomic status.
- Gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
- Craniofacial abnormalities like cleft palate.
- Autoimmune disease: COM is seen to be associated with patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
- Immune deficiency: patients with AIDS have a higher rate of COM.
