Abstract

Background: Bromelain is a phytotherapeutic drug that is well established in medicinal use for the treatment of injuries and postoperative swelling. It is frequently recommended in otorhinolaryngological indications. However, there is lack of recent clinical data on its use in this setting.
Methods: We conducted a non-interventional study including 102 patients to evaluate postsurgical clinical (pain, edema, hematoma, signs of inflammation) and specific nasal symptoms (hindrance of nasal breathing, impairment of sleep, impairment of food intake, impairment of smell, impairment of taste). The participating physicians furthermore assessed the potential additional benefits of bromelain therapy.
Results: Clinical and specific nasal symptoms improved significantly during postoperative recovery and an additional benefit was assigned by the physicians given ratings in more than fifty percent of the documented cases. According to the physicians, the consumption of analgesics was “low” in seventy percent of the patients during adjunctive therapy with bromelain.
Conclusion: Given the good tolerability of bromelain treatment, this study substantiates its safe and efficacious use in otorhinolaryngological practice.

Keywords: Bromelain; Surgery; Otorhinolaryngology; Nose; Sinuses; Clinical trial