What are the treatments for otitis media?
Acute otitis media is best treated with a course of antibiotics. This usually results in complete resolution of the symptoms. Pain medication is sometimes needed during the first 24 to 48 hours. In a child, the treatment of otitis media with effusion is somewhat controversial. Potential treatments include watchful waiting for the fluid to resolve, a prolonged course of antibiotics or placement of a tube in the eardrum to allow for drainage of the fluid and to allow for air to enter the middle ear. Currently, the National Institute of Health has published guidelines for the treatment of otitis media with effusion. Parents should make sure that their physicians follow the current NIH guidelines. In the adult, otitis media with effusion is typically a temporary process that can be treated with decongestants, antibiotics, and sometimes oral steroids such as prednisone. Occasionally this fluid will not resolve and placement of a temporary tube in the eardrum to drain the fluid and allow for
