Efficacy of an Antiallergic Drug on Otitis Media with Effusion in Association with Allergic Rhinitis; An Experimental Study

Abstract

The effect of an antiallergic drug on the evacuation of middle ear effusion (MEE) from the tubotympanum was investigated by means of an animal model with both otitis media with effusion (OME) and allergic rhinitis. Azelastine hydrochloride (AZ), an oral antiallergic drug, was administered and the presence of MEE was investigated. Serous MEE was seen in 12 of the 13 untreated control animals on the 11th day after the experimental OME was induced, whereas MEE was detected in 9 of the 13 animals administered 1 mg/kg of AZ, but only in 4 of the 13 animals administered 2 mg/kg of AZ. In addition, the effect of AZ on MEE production was also examined in an experimental OME animal model without allergic rhinitis. Middle ear effusion was observed in all OME animals that received 2 mg/kg AZ for 5 consecutive days, before and 3 days after the experimental OME was induced. Results of the present study indicate that AZ promotes the evacuation of MEE from the tubotympanum in the OME animal model associated with nasal allergy. These data suggest that an antiallergic drug may contribute to the therapy of OME patients in association with nasal allergy indirectly, by promoting evacuation of MEE due to inhibition of type I allergic reactions in the nasopharynx.

Effects of Ototopical Antihistamine on Otitis Media in an Allergic Rat

“…Albumin concentration in the middle ear exudates was also reduced with the addition of OLO. Our work supports the results of Suzuki et al 23 that demonstrated that oral AZE promoted the evacuation of middle ear effusion from the tubotympanum in allergicinduced OME in guinea pigs.…”

The role of allergic rhinitis in upper respiratory tract inflammatory diseases

“…Beneficial effects of anti‐allergic medicine against OME complicated with AR were confirmed by experimental studies using animal models [36]. After oral treatment with AZ, the number of animals having MEE was significantly reduced in a dose‐dependent manner in the group of animals with OME and AR but not in those without AR, suggesting that AZ promotes the evacuation of MEE from the tubotympanum in this OME animal model associated with AR.…”

Allergy in pathogenesis of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

“… 55 In addition, many studies have shown that the use of intra-aural antihistamines in sensitized rat models can reduce the accumulation of middle ear fluid, improve OME symptoms, and may be effective in treating ETD caused by allergies. 56 , 57 , 58 …”