Steroids in otolaryngology.

Steroids are increasingly being used to treat a wide spectrum of otolaryngological disorders. It is important for ear-nose-throat surgeons to understand the short- and long-term complications associated with steroid use. The aim of this study was to review the role of steroids in common ear-nose-throat disorders. Corticosteroid therapy has been shown to be effective in the management of idiopathic facial nerve palsy, allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, sinonasal inflammatory polyposis, and croup. The therapeutic efficacy of steroids in the management of Meniere's disease, sudden idiopathic sensorineural HL, chronic otitis media, and vestibular neuronitis remain controversial.