Politzerization

Politzerization

Politzerization, also known as the Politzer maneuver or method, is a medical technique involving the inflation of the middle ear by blowing air up the nose during swallowing. Its primary purpose is to reopen the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure in the sinuses.

The procedure originated from an experiment conducted by Ádám Politzer of Vienna, where he studied air movement through the Eustachian tube by connecting manometers to the external auditory canal meatus and the pharynx. His initial findings, dating back to 1861, led to the introduction of a pear-shaped rubber air-bag for performing the maneuver in 1863, known as a Politzer bag. This invention revolutionized the process, making it more practical and less invasive for patients compared to catheterizing the Eustachian tube, thereby earning Politzer widespread recognition.

One notable device utilizing Politzerization is the EarPopper, developed by Shlomo Silman, Ph.D., and otolaryngologist Daniel Arick, M.D. The EarPopper is a portable, battery-operated device designed to deliver controlled airflow through the nostril, allowing patients to perform the procedure independently without medical supervision. Clinical studies have confirmed the device's effectiveness in treating ear blockages associated with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Otitis Media with Effusion.