title: Otitis media in children. Medical versus surgical treatment.
abstract: Much controversy surrounds the subject of proper management of chronic otitis media in children. Treatment options include medical management with antibiotics and steroids as well as insertion of tympanostomy tubes. In some children with recurrent or persistent middle-ear infections, prophylactic treatment with antibiotics is indicated. Although medical treatment compares favorably with surgical treatment, tubes significantly decrease the frequency of episodes of acute otitis media. Treating children medically for 2 to 3 years while they "grow out of their problem" ignores the hardship of the family that has to care for a sick child. More important, it forces the child into an existence of medications and recurrent infections. An open mind about all treatment options is essential when deciding on the best therapy for a particular child.
authors.affiliation: Maryland General Hospital, Baltimore 21201.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Biedlingmaier
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013256:Steroids