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Subscribe to RSSPediatricians often prescribe antibiotics for ear pain but bacterial infections aren't necessarily the culprit. Earaches can also be caused by viruses or allergies. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
By Kristina Krohn, NBC News
Every parent worries about ear infections, often turning to the first line of defense: antibiotics. But according to new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued on Monday, doctors now say to hold off on the antibiotics for children older than six months.
"The goal is to improve the diagnosis and make sure that we preserve the healing power of antibiotics by using them judiciously in kids who benefit most. And conversely, giving kids who don't need them the opportunity to improve on their own," said Dr. Richard Rosenfeld a pediatric otolaryngologist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
Ear infection symptoms are the main reason doctors prescribe antibiotics to children. While every parent wants their children to feel better as quickly as possible, the AAP stresses antibiotics may not be the answer.
According to the new guidelines, children over six months old with earaches should get antibiotics if:
- They have a history of frequent ear infections
- Their fever is higher than 102.2
- Their pain lasts longer than two days
- They have a bulging ear drum
Without these symptoms, an earache is mostly likely caused by a virus, allergies, even teething. In these cases, it is safe to put off seeing the doctor and taking antibiotics.
In these cases, the AAP encourages doctors and families to watch the child closely for improvement for 48 to 72 hours before giving antibiotics. Parents should give a child pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the child’s age -- never Aspirin). If symptoms gets worse parents should not hesitate to go to their doctor.
Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, a pediatric otolaryngologist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, says other than the common cold ear infections are the number one reason parents take their children to pediatricians. He also said the bottom line for parents is be sure your doctor is making an accurate diagnosis before they treat an ear infection, and explore the opportunity for observation as well as talking about preventive strategies.
For children with multiple ear infections, tubes implanted in the ear can help drain fluid while also allowing air into the middle ear to ward off future infections.
But what can parents do to prevent their children from getting ear infections in the first place?
- Ensure children are up to date on their vaccines and get influenza and pneumococcal vaccines as soon as they are eligible
- Exclusively breast feed up to six months of age
- Avoid exposing children to tobacco smoke
Leave a Comment:
Brian, although this segment is for children, it was helpful to me as I have an ear
infection and No it's not from plunging into the Ohio River:o) BTW, if he Oscars want
an edgy emcee, they should select you next year, and I am not kidding, You
would be terrific and edgy! Have a nice evening Phyllis
I have had problems with ear infections all my life. They sometimes get bad enough to rupture the eardrum and they most defiantly cost me the better part of my hearing until my ears heal. I learned a long time ago to simply not even ask for antibiotics. I found that they almost never caused my infection to get better faster then when I just let my body do the work.
If you are not used to ear infections and how they effect you I would always suggest seeing a doctor every time one happens. It can still get to be a problem because you literally have an infection within inches of your brain. I have never had an ear problem go that far, but you need to always be alert when you have an ear infection for any signs it is getting worse.
If your kids have earaches/infections without ear drainage/rupture just steam an onion and strain the juice through a filter (I use a clean panty hose) and drop a few room temp drops in the ear. The pain will stop in a few minutes and often the child drifts off to sleep. It's antibacterial and will help clear up an ear infection. Garlic juice mixed with olive or sweet oil works as well, but we use the onion. Never had to give our kids a dose of medicine, including pain med, for earaches because the onion juice is simply amazing!
Wow, never heard of this! Where did you learn about it? Will have to try it sometime. Thanks!
I'm a 42 year old woman. Back in 2005 I began having chronic ear infections. Doctors repeatedly gave me oral and topical antibiotic for three years. It never helped a bit. I now have what I believe is yeast through out my body. I cannot eat sugar, wheat or diary and I live in pain daily.
I would not recommend anyone take antiobiotics unless your life depends on it.
All three of my kids got ear infections. I'm glad I did get them antibiotics immediately so what happened to a friend's little boy didn't happen to mine. He will wear hearing aides for the rest of his life because of an ear infection that per doctors instructions, was treated without the use of antibiotics. It was too late when they reconsidered that choice.