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Can Nasal Decongestants Improve Eustachian Tube Function?

Objective To evaluate the effect of nasal decongestants on eustachian tube (ET) opening. Study design A prospective nonrandomized study. Setting A tertiary referral center. Patients Twenty-four patients (44 ears) with intact eardrums, 39 patients (43 ears) having a noninfected eardrum defect, and six patients with an upper airway infection. Interventions Nasal or intratympanal (in perforated ears) application of a nasal decongestant (xylometazoline 0.1%). Main outcome measures Change of tube opening quality (yes or no; better or worse) measuring tube opening parameters (pressure, latency) using the Estève method and pressure equalization tests (swallowing at negative and positive external ear canal pressures). Results In most cases, nasal decongestion or intratympanal use of decongestants have no effect on ET opening. Improvement in tube opening is rather an exception and, in a minority of patients, a reduced ET function was evident. Conclusion Our acute studies revealed no improvement in eustachian ventilatory tube function with the administration of nasal decongestants.