No effect of a nasal decongestant on eustachian tube function in children with ventilation tubes

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a topical decongestant on eustachian tube function in children with ventilation tubes because of persistent otitis media with effusion.

Study design: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Methods: At the outpatient departments of a secondary referral hospital and a tertiary referral hospital, eustachian tube function was measured before and after intranasal administration of five drops of 0.05% xylometazoline hydrochloride or placebo in 80 randomly selected children with ventilation tubes because of otitis media with effusion.

Results: Xylometazoline nose drops had no effect on the ventilatory or the protective function of the eustachian tube.

Conclusions: Topical decongestants do not have a positive effect on eustachian tube function in children. Therefore, the use of topical decongestants to prevent or treat otitis media with effusion in children is not justified and should be discouraged.