Are nasal steroid sprays effective for otitis media with effusion?

Abstract

Treatment of otitis media with effusion (OME) with nasal steroids is not recommended (strength of recommendation [SOR]=A, based on systematic review). Limited evidence exists that shows nasal steroids may increase the rate of resolution of OME in the short term, alone or in combination with antibiotics (SOR: A, based on randomized controlled trials). However, within 3 to 12 weeks, resolution of OME with nasal steroids is no better than placebo. No evidence exists that treatment with nasal steroids has any effect on decreasing potential complications of OME, such as hearing loss and delayed language development.