Which factor is NOT a risk factor for otitis media?

Which factor is NOT a risk factor for otitis media?

• A. Lactose intolerance
• B. Cleft palate repair
• C. Down syndrome
• D. IgA deficiency

Answer: (A)

Otitis media risk comes from factors that hinder drainage of the middle ear or weaken mucosal defense. The eustachian tube, connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx, is key; when its function is impaired, fluid can accumulate and infections can develop. In young children, the tube is shorter and more horizontal, increasing susceptibility after colds. Structural or syndromic conditions like craniofacial abnormalities such as cleft palate repair can leave lasting eustachian tube dysfunction, raising OM risk. Down syndrome is associated with narrower or altered eustachian tube anatomy and more frequent upper respiratory infections, which also increases risk. IgA deficiency weakens mucosal immunity, making mucosal sites like the middle ear more prone to infections, including OM. Lactose intolerance, however, is a digestive issue unrelated to ear drainage or mucosal immune defense, so it does not increase the risk of otitis media.

Otitis media risk comes from factors that hinder drainage of the middle ear or weaken mucosal defense. The eustachian tube, connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx, is key; when its function is impaired, fluid can accumulate and infections can develop. In young children, the tube is shorter and more horizontal, increasing susceptibility after colds. Structural or syndromic conditions like craniofacial abnormalities such as cleft palate repair can leave lasting eustachian tube dysfunction, raising OM risk. Down syndrome is associated with narrower or altered eustachian tube anatomy and more frequent upper respiratory infections, which also increases risk. IgA deficiency weakens mucosal immunity, making mucosal sites like the middle ear more prone to infections, including OM. Lactose intolerance, however, is a digestive issue unrelated to ear drainage or mucosal immune defense, so it does not increase the risk of otitis media.