The present invention relates generally to methods for treatment of pulmonary diseases and diseases associated with upper respiratory tract infection. Such diseases, including cystic fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and the common cold, have in common bronchial or sinus congestion, production of large amounts of sputum, and the possibility of secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotic therapy.
Acute otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear which is usually secondary to upper respiratory tract infections and is most common in children. Microorganisms may migrate from the nasopharynx to the middle ear over the surface of the eustachian tube's mucous membrane or by propagating in the lamina propria of the mucous membrane as a spreading cellulitis or thrombophlebitis. Pain and hearing loss are the most common presenting complaints although fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in young children. Therapy for acute otitis media includes analgesics, decongestants and antibiotics. In addition, topical vasoconstrictors may be administered into the nasal cavity to improve eustachian tube function. Further, systemic sympathomimetic amines such as ephedrine sulfate may also be administered.
Serous otitis media (secretory otitis media) is an effusion in the middle ear resulting from incomplete resolution of acute otitis media or obstruction of the eustachian tube. Traditional therapy includes a trial of antibiotic therapy in case of bacterial infection. Such antibiotic therapy is effective in relieving eustachian tube obstruction due to bacterial infection and in sterilizing the middle ear. Systemic sympathomimetic amines may also improve eustachian tube function by their vasoconstrictive effects and antihistamines may relieve eustachian tube obstruction in allergic patients. Surgical therapies include myringotomy for aspiration of the fluid and for insertion of a tympanostomy tube which allows ventilation of the middle ear and ameliorates the eustachian tube obstruction. Alternatively, the middle ear may be temporarily ventilated with the Valsalva maneuver or politzeration.
Despite the efficacy of these approaches there remains a desire to avoid surgical intervention in cases of otitis media. Moreover, there exists a growing concern that the widespread use of antibiotics for treatment of otitis media in children promotes the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Accordingly, there remains a desire in the art for improved treatment of conditions associated with upper respiratory infections and pulmonary disorders including otitis media.