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Complementary and integrative treatments: otitis media
Jessica R Levi1, Robert O'Reilly
1Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Children's Clinic, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
Insights
Acute otitis media (AOM) is common in young children, leading to frequent doctor visits and antibiotic use. This review explores complementary and alternative medicine options for AOM, noting limited evidence from rigorous trials.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Acute otitis media (AOM) is a prevalent childhood illness, particularly in infants aged 6-15 months.
- AOM is a leading cause for pediatric physician visits and antibiotic prescriptions, incurring significant healthcare costs.
- Current treatment paradigms for AOM warrant exploration of adjunctive and alternative therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current concepts of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for acute otitis media.
- To assess the available evidence, particularly from randomized controlled trials, for CAM modalities in AOM management.
- To propose an evidence-based algorithm for the assessment and treatment of pediatric AOM.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search on CAM therapies for AOM.
- Analysis of study designs, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Synthesis of findings to inform clinical practice and treatment algorithms.
Main Results:
- Several CAM modalities show promise for AOM treatment.
- Evidence from high-quality RCTs supporting CAM efficacy is limited.
- Existing literature highlights a need for further rigorous scientific evaluation.
Conclusions:
- CAM therapies offer potential adjunctive options for AOM.
- Further research, especially RCTs, is crucial to validate CAM efficacy and safety.
- An integrated approach incorporating evidence-based CAM may aid in AOM management.
Abstract:
Acute otitis media is diagnosed frequently in childhood with peak incidence between 6 and 15 months of age. It is the most common reason for physician visits and antibiotic prescriptions in children, with an excess of $100 spent per episode. In this article we discuss current concepts of complementary and alternative medicine as they apply to otitis media. A thorough literature review shows that, whereas many of these modalities are promising, few have been assessed with randomized controlled trials. Finally, we provide an algorithm that may be used in assessing and treating patients with acute otitis media.
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