RECURRENT OTITIS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ADENOID HYPERTROPHY IN PEDIATRICS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Recurrent otitis media is among the most prevalent otorhinolaryngological conditions in childhood and can negatively impact hearing and overall child development. Several factors contribute to its occurrence, notably adenoid hypertrophy, which interferes with the function of the Eustachian tube and the pressure balance of the middle ear. This study presents a narrative review of the literature on the association between recurrent otitis media and adenoid hypertrophy in pediatric patients, addressing pathophysiological aspects, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic implications. Evidence suggests that enlarged adenoids favor the onset of otitis media with effusion and recurrent episodes of acute otitis media, mainly due to mechanical obstruction of the Eustachian tube, acting as a bacterial reservoir, and compromising middle ear ventilation, in addition to the influence of factors such as allergic rhinitis and exposure to passive smoking. Adenoidectomy demonstrates benefit in reducing persistent otitis media with effusion, although its effects on the prevention of recurrent acute otitis media are less consistent. Thus, adenoid evaluation is fundamental in the management of recurrent otitis, and treatment should consider anatomical aspects and associated risk factors. (MASHAT et al., 2022; ZHANG et al., 2018; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015)