Ear Infection Treatment Debated

Antibiotics can be very useful in treating infections of the middle ear, which are very common among young children. Many parents know all too well how much pain and discomfort ear infections can cause.

Pediatricians prescribe antibiotics to millions of youngsters for such infections, whose medical name is acute otitis media.

The problem is that a lot of parents have come to expect and will demand antibiotics from their doctor as an immediate treatment for ear infections, and often, doctors will prescribe them without trying other avenues first.

The overuse of antibiotics can result in germs that develop resistance to the drugs over time. Drug-resistant germs can cause serious infections that are difficult to treat.

In many severe cases, antibiotics are necessary. But studies have shown that many milder ear infections get better on their own without the need for antibiotics.

Last year, guidelines were published suggesting a "watchful waiting" strategy to observe some children for two to three days to see if they get better without antibiotics. The new guidelines provide criteria for treatment based on the age of the child, the certainty of the diagnosis and the severity of the illness.

A study in this morning's journal Pediatrics reveals a wide range of attitudes among parents and doctors about "watchful waiting."

Researchers used a survey to assess the current use of the strategy and its acceptability to parents.

Sixty-three percent of doctors reported occasionally using "watchful waiting," but only six percent of those use it frequently.

The "watchful waiting" guidelines have been adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Family Physicians, but antibiotics have been the standard of care for a long time. Not all doctors agree with the new guidelines.

The study also found that parents have mixed feelings about "watchful waiting." Forty percent said they would be dissatisfied if their doctor suggested this treatment. Thirty-four percent said they would be satisfied.

The researchers concluded that more research is needed and greater public awareness is necessary before "watchful waiting" becomes widely used.

If you think your child has an ear infection, ask your pediatrician for guidance, but don't insist on a prescription for antibiotics as a matter of course. Partner with your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment. And remember: Over-the-counter medications or ear drops are often effective in treating the pain and tears from ear infections.