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Autoinflation

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

'Autoinflation' refers to the opening of, and forcing of air through, the Eustachian tube by the raising of intranasal pressure

  • may be achieved by:
    • forced exhalation with closed mouth and nose, or
    • blowing up a balloon through each nostril (otovent device), or
    • use of an anaesthetic mask or a Politzer device

  • aim of these procedures is to introduce air into the middle ear, via the Eustachian tube, and equilibrate the pressures
    • most likely to help in 'Eustachian tube dysfunction' and has been proposed as a treatment for otitis media with effusion

  • a systematic review concerning the use of 'autoinflation' suggested that:
    • "...because of the low cost and absence of adverse effects it is reasonable to consider autoinflation whilst awaiting natural resolution of otitis media with effusion.." (1)
  • a later review suggested that (2):
    • "...Autoinflation with a purpose-manufactured device (Otovent device or ear-popper) may be more effective than no treatment at improving outcomes (measured by tympanogram, audiogram, or composite outcomes). However, results varied by the analysis undertaken and the specific outcome reported ( very low-quality evidence )..."

NICE suggest in non-surgical management of otitis media with effusion:

  • auto-inflation:
    • consider auto-inflation in children with OME (otitis media with effusion) if they are able to engage with the treatment

Reference:

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