Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-mlc7c Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-09T15:48:35.284Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Effect of nasogastric tubes on Eustachian tube function

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

M. Wake*
Affiliation:
Dudley
D. E. McCullough
Affiliation:
Dudley
J. D. Binnington
Affiliation:
Dudley
*
Mr M. Wake, Dudley Road Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QH.

Abstract

The Eustachian tube acts as pressure equalizing tube between the nasopharynx and the middle ear. It also functions as a conduit for removal of secretions from the middle ear and mastoid air cell system into the post nasal space. Eustachian tube function may be assessed objectively using tympanometric measurements. (Brooks, 1968, Lutman, 1987).

The post-operative use of nasogastric Ryles tubes is associated with reduced peak middle ear pressure (mmH2O) and reduced peak compliance volumes (ml) as assessed by tympanometry. In addition changes in the appearance of the tympanic membrane may occur with the protracted use of Ryles tubes. This phenomenon is a transient one.

Nasogastric tube-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction is a previously unreported entity.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1990

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Brooks, D. N. (1968). An objective method of detecting fluid in the middle ear. International Audiology, 7: 280286.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Browning, G. G. (1987). Pathology of inflammatory conditions of the external and middle ear. In: Scott-Brown's Otolaryngology 5th Edition, Volume 3 (Kerr, A. G. and Booth, J. B. eds.) Butterworth: London, p. 6364.Google Scholar
Hayes, D., Jerger, J. (1978). Title: Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 11 (3): 759765.Google Scholar
Last, R. J. (1988). Anatomy regional and applied (7th edition). Churchill Livingstone: p. 455456.Google Scholar
Lutman, M. E. (1987). Diagnostic Audiometry. In: Scott-Brown's Otolaryngology, 5th Edition, Volume 2 (Kerr, A. G. and Stephens, S. D. G., eds). p. 254256.Google Scholar
Pickles, J. O. (1987). Physiology of the ear. In: Scott-Brown's Otolaryngology, 5th Edition, Volume 1 (Kerr, A. G. and Wright, D. A., eds). Butterworths: London, p. 60.Google Scholar