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.