Two types of biochemical therapies other than antibiotics reduce the risk of otitis media: immunizations and xylitol sugar. The seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the influenza vaccine offer significant protection against infections caused by these microorganisms.
Full Answer
What are the treatment options for otitis media in infants and children?
In: Otitis Media in Infants and Children, 4th ed, BC Decker, Hamilton, ON 2007. p.213. Al-Shawwa BA, Wegner D. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole plus topical antibiotics as therapy for acute otitis media with otorrhea caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children.
Which antibiotics are used in the treatment of otitis media (OT)?
Al-Shawwa BA, Wegner D. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole plus topical antibiotics as therapy for acute otitis media with otorrhea caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005; 131:782.
How often should amoxicillin be taken for otitis media?
Once or twice daily versus three times daily amoxicillin with or without clavulanate for the treatment of acute otitis media. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(4):CD004975.
Is “watchful waiting” a good strategy to treat otitis media?
QuestionAcute otitis media is one of the most common infections in childhood. Routine prescription of antibiotics has led to adverse events and bacterial resistance to antibiotics. I have heard that “watchful waiting” is a good strategy to reduce this potential problem in children older than 6 months of age.
Can otitis media resolve without antibiotics?
In many cases, acute otitis media will resolve without antibiotics, so they are not always needed for treatment. For these children Tylenol® or Motrin® may be given for the fever, pain, and irritability. For some children with severe acute otitis media, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Can a child fight an ear infection without antibiotics?
“Common ear infections often do not require antibiotics, except in severe cases or in infants younger than six months,” says Dr. Hutton. “Many ear infections will resolve on their own within a week.”
What is the most appropriate treatment for otitis media?
High-dose amoxicillin (80 to 90 mg per kg per day) is the antibiotic of choice for treating acute otitis media in patients who are not allergic to penicillin.
What is the first-line agent for otitis media in pediatrics?
Amoxicillin at a dosage of 80 to 90 mg per kg per day should be the first-line antibiotic for most children with acute otitis media.
What causes ear infections in 4 year olds?
Kids (especially in the first 2 to 4 years of life) get ear infections more than adults do for several reasons: Their shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes let bacteria and viruses find their way into the middle ear more easily. The tubes are also narrower, so more likely to get blocked.
Do ear infections always need antibiotics?
In most cases, antibiotics are not needed. They do not work for ear infections caused by viruses. They do not help the pain. Usually, viral infections and many bacterial infections go away on their own in two to three days, especially in children who are over two years old.
What is the first-line treatment for otitis media?
Amoxicillin at a dosage of 80 to 90 mg per kg per day should be the first-line antibiotic for most children with acute otitis media. Patients with otitis media who fail to respond to the initial treatment option within 48 to 72 hours should be reassessed to confirm the diagnosis.
What is second-line treatment for otitis media?
Oral cefuroxime or amoxicillin-clavulanate and intramuscular ceftriaxone are suggested second-line choices for treatment failure.
How can I treat otitis media at home?
Home Care to Relieve Ear PainA cool or warm compress. Soak a washcloth in either cool or warm water, wring it out, and then put it over the ear that's bothering you. ... A heating pad: Lay your painful ear on a warm, not hot, heating pad.Over-the-counter ear drops with pain relievers.
Can otitis media heal on its own?
Most cases of otitis media with effusion go away on their own in a few weeks or months. Treatment may speed up the process. Most children don't have any long-term effects to their ears, their hearing, or their speaking ability. This is the case even if they had fluid build-up in their ears for a long time.
Which of the following treatments is appropriate for a patient who has acute otitis media and has an allergy to penicillin?
Patients who are allergic to penicillin show 10-15% cross-reactivity when treated with cephalosporins. Levofloxacin has demonstrated higher efficacy in the treatment of AOM than amoxicillin-clavulanate has and can be used in patients who are allergic to penicillin.
How quickly does prednisone work for ears?
Oral steroids, such as prednisone, are usually prescribed over the course of 2 weeks to restore hearing. There is only a 2- to 4-week window of time for treatment before hearing loss becomes permanent.
Microbiology
Traditional Pharmacologic Therapy
- Symptom resolution and reduction of recurrence are the goals of treatment for AOM. Analgesics in addition to oral and topical antimicrobials are the mainstay of treatment. The use of antibacterial agents in children with uncomplicated AOM at the time of diagnosis has raised concerns regarding antibacterial resistance; however, AOM is the most commo...
Surgical Options
- Surgical placement of tympanostomy tubes is recommended for children with recurrent episodes of AOM. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends that tympanostomy tubes be considered in children who have had four episodes of AOM in 6 months or six episodes in 1 year.17 Placement of tympanostomy tubes also is suggested for OME. Tympanostomy tubes us…
Conclusion
- The role of the pharmacist in the management of pediatric OM includes ensuring appropriate weight-based dosing of antibiotic and/or analgesic agents and educating caregivers. Counseling regarding the disease state, proper otic administration, completion of antibiotic treatment, and adverse events associated with medication is essential for achieving improvement in the patient…