Management of childhood ear infections

Childhood ear infections consist of acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME), and otitis externa (OE). AOM and OME have been defined in a clinical practice guideline developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians. In order to have a diagnosis of AOM, the patient must have a history of acute onset of signs and symptoms, middle ear effusion, and middle ear inflammation. OME is defined by the presence of middle ear effusion without acute signs and symptoms. OE is characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. AOM is the most common diagnosis associated with antimicrobial therapy for children in the United States. The peak incidence occurs during the first two years of life. Risk factors associated with the development of AOM include day care attendance, lack of breast-feeding, presence of siblings, lower socioeconomic status, exposure to cigarette smoke, and allergies.