The P.E.A.N.U.T. method was developed to lower the need for surgical interventions as well as antibiotic and analgesic use during and after the watchful waiting period of chronic otitis media with effusion and adenoid hypertrophy in children.
The P.E.A.N.U.T. method has the potential to personalize a non-invasive integrative treatment, minimize antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and nasal decongestant use, reduces the need for surgical interventions and presents a safe diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm due to evidence based standards.
Its elements are as follows:
- Pneumatization exercises
- Education of parents and patient
- Anti-allergy therapy and diet
- Nasal spray and hygiene
- Useful constitutional therapy
- Thermal interventions
Summary:
Middle ear ventilation exercises
Nasal hygiene and the use of nasal spray
The ginger powder foot bath is prepared by having the child place their feet, preferably up to the knees, into a bucket or plastic container filled with comfortably hot water. Meanwhile, place 200–300 ml of water into a small saucepan (approximately 15–20 cm in diameter) and bring it to a boil. While the water is heating, gradually stir in the ginger powder (3–4 tablespoons) until it forms a smooth mixture without lumps. Once the water begins to boil, the mixture thickens into a paste. Remove it from the heat and stir it into the foot bath water. After a few minutes, the child will begin to warm up. When the ginger starts to itch or tingle on the feet and the first drop of sweat appears on the forehead, the treatment can be finished. Rinse the feet with warm water, apply a small amount of olive oil, and put the child to bed.
Foot bath with salt water and gradually increasing temperature: this should be done in the evening before bedtime. The child should be warmly dressed, with only the trouser legs rolled up. The container should be large enough for both feet to rest comfortably on the bottom and high enough to reach almost to the knees. Begin with enough water to reach about mid-calf level. The solution should be a 2% salt solution (for example, dissolve 200 g of ordinary table salt in 10 liters of water). Start at 35°C (measured, not estimated), then gradually increase the temperature to 39–40°C over 10 minutes by slowly adding hot water. Wait another 5 minutes afterward. Note: adding a small amount of lavender may enhance the calming effect of the foot bath. Dry the feet thoroughly, put on wool socks, and go straight to bed.
Study: Integrative versus Conventional Therapy of Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion and Adenoid Hypertrophy in Children: A Prospective Observational Study
