title: The negative effects of mucolytics in otitis media with effusion.
abstract: Much controversy still exists in the treatment of otitis media with effusion. A double-blind randomised prospective trial during which bromhexine hydrochloride was compared with a placebo is reported. Information from 60 patients was analysed and the results reveal interesting findings on the effects of bromhexine on middle-ear clearance. The data clearly reveal that bromhexine retards resolution of the effusion. Further discussion of the literature gives insight into the controversy surrounding the treatment of middle-ear effusion. Steroids are proposed for further research and clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Stellenbosch.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van der Merwe
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Wagenfeld
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D001964:Bromhexine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005100:Expectorants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D005100:Expectorants; D001964:Bromhexine