Ear-Infection Guidelines Urge Fewer Antibiotics

Children’s doctors have new guidelines to help them diagnose and treat children’s ear infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued the guidelines February 25. One goal is to reduce the use of antibiotics, which often are not needed. The guidelines were last updated in 2004. The new ones include the results of research done since then. They describe a more precise way to diagnose an ear infection. And for the first time they say it’s OK sometimes to wait before giving antibiotics to children ages 6 to 23 months. Immediate antibiotics are still recommended for children with severe infections or high fever. They also should be given when kids don’t get better within 48 to 72 hours, the guidelines say. Doctors are urged to give medicine for pain, especially during the waiting period.