Treatment of acute otitis media in children

For children, it is necessary to continuously increase their resistance, and only in this way can the occurrence of diseases be reduced. Colds are a common disease among children and are unavoidable, but what we fear most are actually other diseases caused by colds. For example, acute otitis media is a disease symptom that troubles both parents and children. However, judging from the treatment methods for acute otitis media in children, the cure rate of this disease is very high.

1. Observation

For simple AOM, antibiotics can be used for observation without the use of antibiotics, and antibiotic treatment can be delayed for 48 to 72 hours for suitable children, depending on age, condition, and follow-up compliance. Children with high-risk factors, such as anatomical abnormalities (cleft lip and palate, etc.), genetic abnormalities (Down syndrome, etc.), immunodeficiency, and cochlear implants, those with recurrent acute otitis media within 30 days, acute onset of potential chronic otitis media, and those who are difficult to follow up, should be treated promptly.

Give antibiotics promptly if symptoms persist or worsen. A mild illness means mild ear pain and a body temperature below 39°C in the past 24 hours. Severe illness refers to moderate to severe ear pain and fever over 39°C. Generally, if there is no improvement in symptoms or symptoms worsen after 48 to 72 hours of observation, antibiotics should be considered. When the parents of the child have questions about the severity of the disease, follow-up consultation is necessary.

2. Antibiotic treatment

The choice of first-line therapy should be based on the likely microbial communities and the expected clinical response. Amoxicillin is used as the first-line treatment for children with acute otitis media because it is widely effective against the most common susceptible bacteria, pneumococci, when used in adequate doses. It is also safe, has a narrow antimicrobial spectrum, is low-cost, and has an acceptable taste. If AOM symptoms persist, tympanocentesis is recommended for bacteriologic diagnosis. If tympanic membrane puncture is difficult and the child is infected with penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, clindamycin can be used. If it is still ineffective, tympanic membrane puncture, Gram staining, bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing must be performed, and treatment will be guided by the results of further examinations.