The latest advice for parents and pediatricians on treating ear infections? "Giving antibiotics is clearly beneficial," says Dr. Anthony Fauci - director, national institute of allergy and infectious diseases.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases. His agency funded new research that shows antibiotics can help young children feel better and recover faster when they're diagnosed with acute otitis media... known to most of us as a middle ear infection. "It really was a very good study in that the criteria for the diagnosis and the following of the symptoms were very strict."
This finding is in contrast to other research, which indicated most kids' ear infections would clear up on their own. "The diagnostic criteria used in those children may not have been as precise as the diagnostic criteria that's used here."
The American Academy of Pediatrics has encouraged a "watchful waiting" approach rather than immediate antibiotic treatment... and some doctors say overuse of antibiotics leads to bacterial resistance. "The study was aimed at trying to develop more criteria for the appropriate use of antibiotics."
Pediatricians say the new study is reassuring. "It does help us to know that we are doing the right thing for the child if we are treating a known ear infection with an antibiotic," says Dr. Kimberly Giuliano - cleveland clinic.
The research appears to be the best prescription moms and dads have to clear up their confusion.
Some of the signs of an ear infection include pulling at the ears, excessive crying, fluid draining from the ears, fever and problems hearing.
