Otitis Media middle ear infection
Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. It usually develops when the bacteria or virus that cause sore throats or colds spread to the middle ear. It is very common and mainly affects young children but adults may also be affected. It is estimated that around 75% of children will experience otitis media during their first 3 years. Children are more susceptible because the eustachian tube which connects the throat to the middle ear is shorter and straighter. This means that it is more easily blocked by mucous and this causes the middle ear to fill with fluid.
The symptoms of otitis media are ear pain and difficulty hearing. The pain can be severe. Babies and young children often cry and scream especially at night and pull at the ear. Children with frequent ear infections may develop hearing impairment.
Studies using phenazone and benzocaine for otitis media
Investigators – Matz et al 2001
In this study, 88 children, aged 2 to 18 years with otitis media received either a combination product containing phenazone and benzocaine or antibiotics. The family was asked to complete a symptom diary including rating of pain. Children were evaluated at 3 to 7 days by an assessor who did not know which medication the children received and found that there was almost no difference between the 2 groups. Parents also rated their satisfaction with the treatment and again there was almost no difference. The investigators concluded that ear infections in children don’t clear any faster with antibiotics than with pain-relieving ear drops. “Many parents expect an antibiotic will be prescribed for a child with an ear infection. Usually they do not come into a doctor’s office and ask for an antibiotic, but there is a physician perception that parents expect to get one. This unspoken pressure is considered a major factor in the potential overuse of antibiotics.”
Investigators - Hoberman et al 1997
To determine the effectiveness of a combination product
containing phenazone and benzocaine treatment was undertaken in 54
children aged 5 to 19 years with ear pain and otitis media. The
children were given either olive oil as a control (placebo group) or a
combination product containing phenazone and benzocaine. All children
in both groups were given paracetamol as well. The authors concluded
that in children with ear pain and otitis media who are treated with
paracetamol, ear drops containing phenazone and benzocaine provide
additional pain relief within 30 minutes.
The results are shown in the table below.
