Dr. Desmond Nunez (Head, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery ),
is a co-investigator on a $3 million dollar clinical trials grant from the National Institute of Health (UK). Investigators will undertake a randomised controlled trial of ear drops for treatment of acute otitis media (AOM, middle ear infection).
AOM is a common, painful condition most commonly seen in children under 10 years. Although evidence show that antibiotics do not help, the majority of children seen in primary care receive antibiotics. Alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed. The study will test whether ear drops containing benzocaine (numbing nerve blocker) and phenazone (pain killer) to see if they reduce dependence on antibiotics and if they could be used to relieve pain and distress and improve the quality of life for these children.
More information is at: National Institute for Health Research
posted : 2015-May-19