Recognition and Treatment of Allergy in Sinusitis and Pharyngotonsillitis: A Preliminary Report

• Fourteen patients experienced recurring episodes of acute pharyngotonsillitis and acute sinusitis associated with an igE-mediated inhalant allergy. Bacterial infection was clinically suspected in seven patients, five of whom had pathogens on culture. The existence of allergy to inhalants was established by serum IgE studies and intradermal skin tests. A significant reduction in the frequency and severity of the inflammatory episodes was associated with immunotherapy. In six patients with recurrent involvement of the palatine tonsils, tonsillectomy had been considered before immunotherapy but was deemed unnecessary after treatment. It seems that inhalant allergy can predispose to, accompany, or mimic bacterial pharyngotonsillitis and sinusitis. (Arch Otolaryngol1981;107:543-546)