otitis

EAR INFECTIONS

Ear infections are common in young children resulting in millions of office visits and antibiotic prescriptions annually. Acute otitis media (AOM) includes intense signs and symptoms of infection and inflammation and is the most common bacterial illness in children for which antibacterial agents are prescribed in the United States. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is even more common. About 90% of children have OME at some time before school age, most often between ages 6 months and 4 years. OME often follows colds and viral infections or actual ear infections and will usually clear up on its own without treatment.

In May 2004, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) jointly released the first national clinical practice guideline on appropriate diagnosis and treatment for AOM. The guideline outlines steps for more accurate diagnosis, encouraging pain relief, reducing antibiotic-related adverse effects, and targeting antibiotics for children likely to receive the most benefit.

The clinical practice guideline on OME also was released in May 2004 by the AAP, AAFP, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) to provide evidence-based recommendations on diagnosing and managing OME in children. The OME guideline emphasizes appropriate diagnosis and provides management options including observation, medical intervention and referral for surgery for children who are not at risk.