Ear Infections in Young Children

A common ailment among young children is an ear infection known as acute otitis media (AOM). This is an infection of the middle ear. The membrane inside the ear may appear to be red and swollen, which can be painful for a child. A small child who may not be able to fully communicate their feelings may indicate ear irritation by tugging on the affected ear, crying more than usual, and display difficulty sleeping. AOM can also be accompanied by fever, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Drainage of fluid from the ear may be present. Three different bacteria are known for commonly causing AOM, and there are a variety of antibiotics that may be prescribed. In some cases, it may be appropriate to simply observe the child before administering any medications.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) or amoxicillin/clavulante (Augmentin) are the preferred drugs to treat AOM and are given by mouth for 5-7 days. Both of these drugs are types of penicillins. Alternatives for people with penicillin allergies include azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), cefdinir (Omnicef), or cefpodoxime (Vantin). Some of these oral solutions can be flavored by a pharmacist to make them more appealing for children. The pain associated with AOM is often treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).



  
 
  Kathy Stapleton, Pharmacist
  
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