Effect of a topical nasal decongestant on Eustachian tube function in children with tympanostomy tubes.

The effect of a topical nasal decongestant spray on Eustachian tube function was evaluated in 40 children with tympanostomy tubes. Five parameters of tubal function were assessed employing a modified inflation-deflation test and forced response test before and after spraying the nose with either oxymetazoline hydrochloride or a placebo according to a randomized double-blind study design. The results showed no significant differences between the two treatment groups. However, all the children in the study group had severe functional tubal dysfunction, as documented by the increased resistance of the Eustachian tube during swallowing. It is possible that efficacy may be shown in subjects with less severe dysfunction of the Eustachian tube than these involved in this study. It was concluded that further studies of the efficacy of topical decongestants for secretory otitis media and related conditions of Eustachian tube dysfunction are warranted to justify the widespread use of these medications.