Diagnosing and treating ear infections isn't always easy for
doctors. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is updating its
guidelines for children, ages 6 months to 12 years, so doctors
can make a more accurate diagnosis and decide the best
treatment. The children who benefit most from starting
antibiotics promptly are those who have sever ear infections,
meaning those who have high fevers, have discharge or ruptured
eardrum. Ear infections are the most common reason doctors
prescribe antibiotics for children in the United States. Doctors
hope the new guidelines will help physicians make better
decisions about who needs antibiotics. Doctors are advised to
examine the ear drum, it it's not bulging children should not
get antibiotics. About two thirds of the kids get better without
using the antibiotics. The recommendation for most children is
to wait and watch and treat with pain killers. Antibiotics may
be needed if the symptoms don't improve after 3 days. In severe
cases ear tube surgery is necessary to ge