Can Secretory Otitis Media be Prevented By Oral Decongestants?

Abstract

After the subsidence of an acute attack of otitis media, but with persistent effusion in the middle ear during the control visit, 36 children were given a combination of brompheniramine-maleate and phenylpropanolamine-hydrochloride and 37 children placebo in a double-blind study. The subsequent clinical course and the duration of the disease was similar in both groups. Despite active myringotomy practice, secretory otitis media necessitating tympanostomy developed in 8 ears on the active drug and 4 on placebo. Adenoidectomy was needed in 18 and 20 cases, respectively. Thus, oral decongestants obviously do not affect the course of prolonged otitis media nor do they prevent secretory otitis media.