What Is Acute Otitis Media?
8. Recovery
Even without antibiotics, mild cases of acute otitis media may resolve themselves within a matter of days. This occurs in the majority of cases. When antibiotics are indicated, they are usually prescribed for five to seven days. It is important to finish a prescription of antibiotics even when you or your child starts to feel better to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to them.
It is often necessary to manage the pain from AOM while waiting for the infection to clear up on its own. If there is no rupture of the eardrum, your doctor may give you ear drops that contain an anesthetic medication to numb the pain. Your doctor may also recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow instructions for administering these medications to children and avoid giving a child aspirin.
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