For Most Children With Middle Ear Infection Observation is Appropriate

According to an Article in this week’s issue of The Lancet, antibiotics for middle ear infection (otitis media) are only beneficial in children under the age of two with both ears infected. For most other children an observation policy seems justified finds the study.
Otitis media occurs when the middle ear, behind the eardrum, becomes inflamed. [...]

Recurrent Middle Ear Infections Can Have A Major Impact On Children’s Development

Study author, Dr Heather Winskel, from the University’s School of Psychology, says middle ear infection or otitis media (OM) is the most common childhood illness.
“At least 70% of children are likely to experience at least one episode of otitis media before they are three-years-old and for many children it is a recurrent problem,” says Dr [...]

“Wait-And-See” Approach For Treating Ear Infections Substantially Reduces Use Of Antibiotics

For children with acute ear infections seen in an emergency department, giving parents the option of delaying use of antibiotics resulted in significantly lower use of antibiotics compared to parents who received a standard prescription, with little difference in the outcomes for the children, according to a study in the September 13 issue of JAMA.
Acute [...]