Clinical Study on Efficacy and Safety of Nufookh with Unani Formulation in The Management of Otomycosis. A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Otomycosis is the fungal infection of the external ear. It is characterized by pain, itching, discharge, ear blockage, hearing loss and ringing in ear. Water entry in ear, scratching of the ear etc. produce favourable atmosphere for fungus. Fungus lodges in that area and starts growing and produces these symptoms. Sign of the Otomycosis is whitish, blackish or brownish fungus in ear. Sometimes wet blotting paper appearance also seen.Tragus tenderness and erythema are also the signs of Otomycosis. In rare cases, primarily in immuno-compromised individuals, the disease may be extensive and involve the temporal bone. Otomycosis is commonly seen in hot and humid climate. The term Otomycosis as a disease is not mentioned in Unani classical literatures , but the some clinical features of Otomycosis are described under the headings of Wajaul uzn ,Warme uzn, Dard gosh and  Sailanul nuzn  in Unani classical literature. The eminent Unani physicians like Shekh-ur-Rais Ibne Sena, Zakariya Razi and Ahmad al Hasan Aljurjani have mentioned different formulations of Nufookh in the management of various ear diseases. Nufookh is the process in which a grounded & filtered drug blown into the patient’s nose, throat or any other opening of the body through a tube. Treatment consists of thorough ear toilet to remove all discharge and epithelial debris which are conducive to the growth of fungus. It can be done by syringing, suction or mopping. broadspectrum antifungal agents include clotrimazole can be applied. Antifungal treatment should be continued for a week even after apparent cure to avoid recurrences 3 . Nufookh therapy with Unani formulation can be done. Ear must be kept clean and dry