Current concepts of mucociliary dysfunction in otitis media with effusion

Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 1991:486:149-61. doi: 10.3109/00016489109134992.

Abstract

From a survey of the literature on mucociliary function in the tubotympanum, it is clear that mucociliary activity and ciliary activity are deeply involved in the pathogenesis, pathology, and prognosis of otitis media with effusion. Ciliary function in the middle ear, especially in the tympanic orifice and the Eustachian tube, has an important role in the mucociliary clearance of surplus secretion to the pharynx. Our review demonstrates that ciliary activity in the tubotympanum is sensitive to a variety of pathological agents including bacteria, bacterial endotoxin, irritant gases, and irradiation, resulting in mucociliary dysfunction of the tubotympanum.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cilia / physiology
  • Cilia / radiation effects
  • Ear, Middle / physiopathology*
  • Endotoxins / adverse effects
  • Environmental Pollutants / adverse effects
  • Eustachian Tube / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Mucous Membrane / physiopathology
  • Otitis Media with Effusion / etiology
  • Otitis Media with Effusion / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Endotoxins
  • Environmental Pollutants