What is the treatment?

As the child often has a sore ear, pain relief can be the first choice of treatment. The use of antibiotics is becoming controversial.

Most children with AOM will resolve within 48 hours. If the symptoms have not settled in that time, antibiotics may be needed. This is why it is important to see your doctor early. All children with AOM should be followed up as some will still have middle ear fluid up to 12 weeks later.

This can affect their hearing. They then should be treated as otitis media with effusion (OME).