Bacterial Nasal Spray For Kids With Glue Ear

By Priya Devi

Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 15:20

Glue ear or Secretory Otitis Media (SOM), is the condition of having fluid in the middle ear. A bacterial nasal spray can help the children having long-term problems with fluid in the middle ear, finds a new study.

The study is done by Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The study involved 60 children with glue ear, who were split into three groups.

The first group received a solution containing Streptococcus bacteria. The second group was given a solution with Lactobacillus bacteria, and the third, a bacteria-free solution (placebo). These solutions were then sprayed into the children's noses for ten days.

In the first group, majority of the children were cured completely or got much better, while only one child in the bacteria-free third group was found recovered. The treatment with the Lactobacillus bacteria for the second group, was less effective.

The Streptococcus Umbrella consists of a number of different types of bactreria. The type used in the study is normally found in the mouth and belongs to the viridans group. The researchers have various theories as to why a spray with these bacteria can help children with glue ear.

"One explanation for the marked improvement may be that the spray stimulates the immune system to conquer the long-term inflammation," says an exert.