Ectodermal dysplasia: the otolaryngologic manifestations and management.

Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare group of diseases presenting special problems in management for the otolaryngologist, but the full spectrum of otorhinolaryngologic manifestations has been previously unrecognized in the otolaryngologic literature. The anhidrotic form, characterized by deficient sweating, sparse hair growth and deficient teeth, with associated decreased mucous production in the aerodigestive tract leads to chronic upper respiratory tract infections, otitis, dysphagia, hoarseness, bronchitis and sometimes hemoptysis.