与ETD相关的感染和炎症包括病毒性上呼吸道感染、过敏性鼻炎和慢性鼻-鼻窦炎。[4]Lazo-Saenz JG, Galvan-Aguilera AA, Martinez-Ordaz VA, et al. Eustachian tube dysfunction in allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005;132:626-629.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15806058?tool=bestpractice.com[5]Yeo, SG, Park DC, Eun YG, et al. The role of allergic rhinitis in the development of otitis media with effusion: effect on Eustachian tube function. Am J Otolarynogol. 2007;28:148-152.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17499128?tool=bestpractice.com
过敏通过以下机制在ETD的发病机制中起到重要的作用:[6]Bernstein JM. Role of allergy in Eustachian tube blockage and otitis media with effusion: a review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;114:562-568.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8643265?tool=bestpractice.com
同样,慢性鼻-鼻窦炎通过以下机制在ETD的发病机制中起到重要作用:受损的黏膜纤毛分泌物沉积在开口处,以及咽鼓管圆枕区域的慢性炎症引起水肿。[7]Stoikes NF, Dutton JM. The effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction. Am J Rhinol. 2005;19:199-202.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15921221?tool=bestpractice.com[8]Stammberger H. An endoscopic study of tubal function and the diseased ethmoid sinus. Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1986;243:254-259.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3778301?tool=bestpractice.com
咽鼓管直接阻塞可能是由于腺样体肥大或位于鼻咽或颞下窝的肿瘤所致。另外,有充分的文献证明,ETD解剖学原因是腭裂。可能的原因包括咽鼓管位置较平,以及参与咽鼓张开的肌肉附着异常或功能不全。[2]Goldman JL, Martinez SA, Ganzel TM. Eustachian tube dysfunction and its sequelae in patients with cleft palate. South Med J. 1993;86:1236-1237.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8235774?tool=bestpractice.com
其他与ETD有关的导致黏膜纤毛清除受阻的潜在因素包括:吸烟、胃食管反流和放射性接触。[9]Dubin MG, Pollock HW, Ebert CS, et al. Eustachian tube dysfunction after tobacco smoke exposure. Otolarynogol Head Neck Surg. 2002;126:14-19.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11821759?tool=bestpractice.com[10]White DR, Heavner SB, Hardy SM, et al. Gastroesophageal reflux and Eustachian tube dysfunction in an animal model. Laryngoscope. 2002;112:955-961.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12160291?tool=bestpractice.com[11]Young YH, Sheen TS. Preservation of tubal function in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, post-irradiation. Acta Otolaryngol. 1998;118:280-283.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9583799?tool=bestpractice.com