Prevalence of OME Is Reduced in Young Children Using Chewing Gum

Integrative versus Conventional Therapy of Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion and Adenoid Hypertrophy in Children: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) and adenoid hypertrophy (AH) are common entities in the pediatric population. The conventional treatment approach (conventional medicine; COM) involved mainly surgery after a period of close observation. In this study, we aimed to introduce an integrative, non-invasive approach (integrative medicine; IM) for COME, AH, and associated episodes of recurrent acute otitis media, and compared outcomes with conventional treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, non-randomized study in an integrative primary care pediatric practice and a conventional pediatric otolaryngological clinic, where treatment modality was determined by patient preference. Out of a total 101 patients aged 1-8 years, integrative therapy was chosen by 46, and conventional treatment by 55. All patients had COME and AH diagnosed by an otolaryngologist and had moderate to severe hearing impairment. COM treatment was based on close observation over time, nasal decongestants and surgical intervention. In contrast, the IM involved a complex personalized approach with non-invasive interventions, non-allopathic medications, diet and patient education.

RESULTS

The number of surgical interventions (adenoidectomy, pressure-equalization tube insertion, myringotomy) was significantly less in the IM cohort (1 of 28 vs. 15 of 35 in the COM group, p < 0.001). The frequency of antibiotic use was significantly less in the IM group (p < 0.001). The frequency of analgesic use was also significantly less in the IM group (p = 0.029). Improvement in tympanometric measures (normal A-type curve) was higher in IM patients compared to expected spontaneous remission during the observation period. Improvement in audiometric measures (intact hearing) of IM patients was also higher than expected compared to spontaneous remission during the observation period.

CONCLUSION

Compared to conventional treatment, integrative treatment of patients with COME and AH showed significantly lower invasive surgical intervention rates and significantly decreased antibiotic and analgesic use. The integrative treatment was effective, safe and well tolerated.

Otorhinolaryngology/maxillofacial disorders

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Upper respiratory infections are ubiquitous

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Voice changes may herald laryngeal cancer

Panel 1: Epidemiology, natural history, and risk factors

BACKGROUND

The First International Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media (OM) with Effusion was held in Columbus, Ohio, in 1975. The symposium has been organized in the United States every 4 years since, followed by a research conference to (a) assess major research accomplishments, (b) identify important research questions and opportunities, (c) develop consensus on definitions and terminology, and (d) establish priorities with short- and long-term research goals. One of the principal areas reviewed quadrennially is Epidemiology, Natural History, and Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a review of recent literature on the epidemiology, natural history, and risk factors for OM.

DATA SOURCES AND REVIEW METHODS

A search of OM articles in English published July 2007 to June 2011 was conducted using PubMed and related databases. Those with findings judged of importance for epidemiology, public health, and/or statistical methods were reviewed.

RESULTS

The literature has continued to expand, increasing understanding of the worldwide burden of OM in childhood, complications from treatment failures, and comorbidities. Novel risk factors, including genetic factors, have been examined for OM susceptibility. Population-based studies in Canada, the United States, and other countries confirmed reductions in OM prevalence. Although most studies concentrated on acute OM (AOM) or OM with effusion (OME), a few examined severe chronic suppurative OM (CSOM), a major public health problem in developing countries and for certain indigenous populations around the world.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Recent publications have reinforced earlier epidemiological findings, while extending our knowledge in human population groups with high burden of OM.

Survey of K–3 rd -Grade Teachers' Knowledge of Ear Infections and Willingness to Participate in Prevention Programs

Purpose

Ear infections are prevalent in kindergarten through 3 rd -grade (K–3 rd ) children and can affect their performance at school. Chewing gum, when administered by parents and teachers, can help prevent ear infections in children. This pilot study surveyed K–3 rd -grade teachers in the Santa Barbara School Districts to assess their knowledge about ear infections and their willingness to participate in ear infection prevention programs.

Method

A 37-item questionnaire was developed and was e-mailed to a convenience sample of 112 teachers in February 2010.

Results

Response rate was 26%; 29 teachers responded. Most respondents were experienced females ≥36 years of age who said that their education provided no information about ear infections. Less than half said that they knew signs of ear infections or that ear infections could be prevented, but more than half believed that ear infections could hinder children’s development and quality of life. All of the schools and almost all of the teachers did not permit chewing gum on campus or in their classrooms, but most teachers said they would participate in ear infection prevention programs, let students chew xylitol gum if it prevented ear infections, and wanted more information on this topic.

Conclusion

Although teachers said they would participate in ear infection prevention programs, obstacles were identified that could preclude the use of xylitol chewing gum. Prevention programs should be developed, but xylitol gum prophylaxis regimens may be better directed at in-home use.