Otitis Media
Acute Otitis Media is an infection of the space behind the eardrum and it is very common in children ages 6 - 20 months. It is associated with fever and upper respiratory infection (runny nose and congestion) and otalgia (ear pain). Treatment is usually done with oral antibiotics for 10 days. If the child has frequent infections, a referral to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist (ENT) is recommended. Children are at risk for more frequent infections if they are around people whom smoke, or if they are given a bottle to bed.