If on the one hand it is true that with antibiotics we must not exaggerate, on the other it is equally true that there are situations in which these drugs are very important, because they are the only ones able to stop the infection.
Read also: Otitis in children: symptoms and remedies
The guidelines of the Del Paesena Society of Pediatrics say it clearly: antibiotics are not always automatically prescribed in the presence of a diagnosis of otitis. "These drugs must be given immediately in infants with compromised general conditions, or if there is discharge of pus (otorrhea) "explains the pediatrician Sergio Conti Nibali, of the cultural association of pediatricians. Otherwise, the indication is remain in "watchful waiting", that is, to monitor the condition of the child for about 48 hours, to see how things are going.
"Since a large part of children's ear infections, especially in the case of preschool children, are of viral origin, it tends to resolve on its own within a couple of days. the painkiller is enough, but the antibiotic is not needed ".
However, if the situation does not improve or even worse, then it must intervene with antibiotics. Otherwise there is a risk that the otitis becomes complicated, leading to serious consequences. "There more formidable complication and the mastoidite, an inflammation of a portion of the temporal bone, which can progress to thebrain abscess"explains Conti Nibali. Other complications can be perforation of the eardrum membrane, temporary paralysis of the facial nerve, meningitis, encephalitis.
No so-called complementary or alternative therapy (such as homeopathy) is indicated for the treatment of otitis, and in general of acute infections.
Updated on 09.10.2022
TAG:
- otitis
- antibiotics
- 1-2 children years
