Question: What is Acute Otitis Media?
Answer: Your doctor has just diagnosed your child as having Acute Otitis Media, better known as a middle ear infection. Middle ear infections are the most common bacterial illness in children and one most frequently treated with antibiotics.
What is acute otitis media?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says a diagnosis of a middle ear infection typically requires the following symptoms:
1. Recent, usually abrupt, onset of illness.
2. The presence of middle ear fluid, called effusion.
3. Signs or symptoms of middle ear inflammation.
Most children with AOM have significant ear pain, which may manifest itself in young children with ear rubbing, sleep disruption, or temper tantrums. Giving your child a pain relief product such as Tylenol or Motrin will greatly relieve the symptoms. Your next step should be to schedule an appointment with your child's doctor. Fortunately, 60 percent of the children feel better within 24 hours, rising to 80-90 percent within a few days.More Child Care Q&A
