The nasopharynx in secretory otitis media

INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal airway obstruction by adenoidal tissue was studied in children with otitis media with effusion compared with children with healthy ears. Adenoidal and nasopharyngeal development with age also were studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 44 children with bilateral effusive otitis media and 32 children without ear disease, all of whom were scheduled for adenoidectomy. In a preoperative lateral radiograph of the nasopharyngeal cavity, adenoidal tissue and the nasopharynx were measured. Adenoidal volume and weight were measured after surgery. RESULTS: The group with effusive otitis media had a larger adenoidal volume, smaller nasopharyngeal cavity, and greater nasopharyngeal airway obstruction (all significant differences) than children without ear disease. All the children had an increase in the nasopharyngeal cavity with age and a decrease in adenoidal volume and nasopharyngeal obstruction after the age of seven years.