Coping with ear infections may seem almost as routine as changing diapers. It's true, ear
infections are one of the most common diseases in infants and children. But this is little
consolation when you're up in the night with a 3-year-old crying in pain from an ear
infection. As the parent, you're worried and perhaps frantic to fix it. But, aside from pain
relief, there isn't one treatment choice that's best for every child.
Antibiotics are no longer routinely prescribed for acute otitis media. Doctors and parents
are giving careful consideration before treating ear infections with antibiotics. Evidence
has been building over the years showing most ear infections resolve on their own and
antibiotics do little or nothing to speed the process. And, overuse of antibiotics leads to
antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The most important factor in treatment for ear
infections is pain relief.
Whether your child has an occasional episode or suffers from frequent ear infections, you
have decisions to make about the best treatment option. Consider the medical evidence
along with your preferences and your child's condition.
Treatment
Your child's treatment decision depends on several factors including:
Your child's age
History of previous infections
Whether your child has any underlying medical problems
You and your doctor are partners in the care of your child. Carefully consider all options
and their implications for your child as well as what's important to you. The information
presented here can help you decide which treatment is best for your child and for you.
In this guide, you'll hear directly from parents who have made different choices for their
children as well as from a practicing pediatrician at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. This
guide also offers some questions and answers to help you in your decision-making
process.
It takes about an hour or more to go through this information in sequence by following the
links at the end of each page. This guide provides context for your decisions and helps you
understand your child's treatment options and the pros and cons for each.
NEXT: About this infection By Mayo Clinic Staff
April 26, 2007
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IN THIS DECISION GUIDE
Welcome
About this infection
About hearing
Causes of middle ear infection
Prevention strategies
Symptoms of ear infection
Diagnosing ear infection
Treatment options
Watchful waiting
Pain control: Consider your options
Antibiotic treatment
Pros and cons
Preventive antibiotics and vaccines
Ear tubes
Alternative therapies
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Ear Infections