The validity of topical drug therapy for otitis media with effusion

Abstract

Otitis media with effusion is difficult to diagnose, since the course of the disease is mostly asymptomatic, while the initial stage of the disease is very similar to Eustachiitis or the pre-perforative stage of acute otitis media. At this stage, dysfunction of the auditory tube and negative pressure in the tympanic cavity creates the conditions for the production of transudate, which clinically, in addition to hearing loss, is accompanied by soreness, a feeling of congestion, pressure, fluid transfusion in the ear. When conducting local medical procedures, they are primarily guided by the condition of the mucous membrane of the eustachian tube, nasopharynx and nasal cavity, but changes in the eardrum are no less important. Thus, the use of topical analgesics with an anti-inflammatory effect becomes no less relevant in the treatment.A literature review was carried out with an analysis of scientific research data on the use of a topical combination drug that has a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of diseases of the external and middle ear.Analysis of the literature showed that the use of lidocaine-phenazone-containing drops promotes rapid regression of the inflammation in the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane, as well as relieving of pain. It can be used both in children (including newborns) and in adults who are suffering from otitis media but with intact tympanic membrane, including otitis media with effusion.Combined topical drugs containing lidocaine-phenazone demonstrate efficacy and safety in the treatment of catarrhal and otitis media with effusion in all age groups.