Nasal spray could solve chronic ear problems

February 16, 2009 The nasal spray contains a naturally occurring probiotic or "good" bacteria and may be an effective treatment for children with something called chronic secretory otitis media. That's a condition involving persistent drainage of fluid from the ear that usually results from ear infections.

In this study in the Archives of Childhood Disease the probiotic nose spray got rid of all or nearly all of the ear fluid present in a significant number of children with the problem.

The hope is that in the future this treatment could reduce hearing problems and result in less surgery.