Efficacy of an antiallergic drug on otitis media with effusion in association with allergic rhinitis. An experimental study.

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.