Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
07:06

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique

Published on: May 23, 2021

Acute otitis media: to follow-up or treat?

Tomislav Stevanovic1, Zoran Komazec, Slobodanka Lemajic-Komazec

  • 1Dr Stevanovic Pediatric Office, Zrenjanin, Serbia.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|July 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

For children with less severe acute otitis media (AOM), a "wait-and-see" approach with symptomatic therapy is effective. This strategy significantly reduces antibiotic use and potential adverse effects in pediatric AOM cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness frequently treated with antibiotics.
  • Widespread antibiotic use contributes to increasing bacterial resistance.
  • Evaluating the necessity of antibiotic treatment for AOM is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the necessity of antibiotic treatment in children diagnosed with AOM.
  • To compare the efficacy of symptomatic therapy and a "wait-and-see" approach versus immediate antibiotic treatment for AOM.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 314 children aged 2 months to 6 years with AOM.
  • Two groups were formed: symptomatic/"wait-and-see" (237 children) and immediate antibiotic treatment (77 children).
  • Therapeutic outcomes and complications were monitored in both groups.

Main Results:

  • 61% of children in the symptomatic/"wait-and-see" group achieved resolution without antibiotics.
  • Antibiotic treatment in the second group showed similar efficacy (80%) with amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and cefixime, but poorer results with azithromycin.
  • No complications requiring surgery were observed in any group.

Conclusions:

  • A "wait-and-see" approach is recommended for less severe AOM cases in children.
  • This approach effectively reduces antibiotic consumption and associated adverse effects.
  • Judicious antibiotic use is essential to combat bacterial resistance in pediatric AOM management.

More Related Videos

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia13:27

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia

Published on: May 6, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.