Contemporary concepts in management of acute otitis media in children

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2014 Oct;47(5):651-72. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2014.06.006. Epub 2014 Aug 1.

Abstract

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common disease of childhood. AOM is most appropriately diagnosed by careful otoscopy with an understanding of clinical signs and symptoms. The distinction between AOM and chronic otitis media with effusion should be emphasized. Treatment should include pain management, and initial antibiotic treatment should be given to those most likely to benefit, including young children, children with severe symptoms, and those with otorrhea and/or bilateral AOM. Tympanostomy tube placement may be helpful for those who experience frequent episodes of AOM or fail medical therapy. Recent practice guidelines may assist the clinician with such decisions.

Keywords: Acute otitis media; Clinical practice guidelines; Ear infections; Middle ear effusion; Tympanostomy tubes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Management
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Middle Ear Ventilation / methods*
  • Otitis Media / diagnosis
  • Otitis Media / drug therapy*
  • Otitis Media / surgery*
  • Otitis Media with Effusion / diagnosis
  • Otitis Media with Effusion / drug therapy
  • Otitis Media with Effusion / surgery
  • Otoscopy / methods
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents