ABSTRACT
The patent eustachian tubes (PET) of five patients with a chief complaint of aural fullness were successfully treated with kigikenchuto. A Kampo extract preparation of ogikenchuto and tokikenchuto (daily dose of 9 and 7.5 g, respectively) was applied as a representative prescription for kigikenchuto. The five patients had also been diagnosed with definitive PET on otological examination. Case 1 was a 73-year-old male suffering from aural fullness and autophonia after a common cold. These ear symptoms improved on lying down and resting. He had a history of admission for cerebral hemorrhage with hypertension and weight loss. Bilateral stiffness of the abdominal rectus muscle and an intolerable tickling sensation were noted. After taking kigikenchuto for two weeks, his symptoms improved. An additional study of four patients treated with kigikenchuto, including Case 2, a 75-year-old female, Case 3, a 33-year-old female, Case 4, a 78-year-old female, and Case 5, a 21-year-old male, showed effective cures. Kigikenchuto is a <i>qi</i>-blood supplementing derivative of shokenchuto, a minor center-reinforcing Kampo medicine for asthenic disease. Based on these results, we suggested that kigikenchuto serves as a useful formulation to treat PET. Life guidance to promote health is also essential for cure.