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More about Otitis Media:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Alternative treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for ear infections. Different antibiotics are used depending on the type of bacteria most likely to be causing the infection. This decision involves knowledge of the types of antibiotics that have worked on other ear infections occurring within a particular community at a particular time. Options include sulfa-based antibiotics, as well as a variety of penicillins and cephalosporins.
Some controversy exists regarding whether overuse of antibiotics is actually contributing to the development of bacteria, which may evolve and become able to avoid being killed by antibiotics. Research is being done to try to help determine whether there may be some ear infections which would resolve without antibiotic treatment. In the meantime, the classic treatment of an ear infection continues to involve a seven to 10 day course of antibiotic medication.
Some medical practitioners prescribe the use of special nosedrops, decongestants, or antihistamines to improve the functioning of the eustachian tube.
In a few rare cases, a procedure to drain the middle ear of pus may be performed. This procedure is called myringotomy.
— Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
