Otitis
media with effusion (OME), more commonly known as fluid in
the middle ears, is a common childhood condition. It is estimated
that more than 2 million cases of OME are diagnosed in the
U.S. each year. OME does not involve any type of infection
or inflammation to the ears and usually clears up on its own,
without treatment, but that doesn't stop many pediatricians
from prescribing antibiotics on a regular basis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a new
series of guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of OME in
children ages 2 months through 12 years. The guidelines recommend
that children with OME should be managed with "watchful waiting"
for at least three months before recommending other treatment.
After three months, children should be re-examined at three-
to six-month intervals until: a) the fluid is no longer present,
b) significant hearing loss is identified, or c) the practitioner
suspects the child has a structural abnormality in the eardrum
or middle ear.
The guidelines are not intended to be the "sole source of
guidance," but rather a tool to assist health care providers,
including doctors of chiropractic. If your child suffers from
ear infections, make sure he or she receives a comprehensive
evaluation before antibiotics are prescribed.
And for online information on chiropractic care of otitis
media, go to https://www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/earaches.html
Reference:
Academy of Pediatrics. Otitis media with effusion. Clinical
practice guideline. Pediatrics May 2004;113(5):1412-29.
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