Diagnosis and Management of Otitis Media

Abstract

Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common reasons for sick child visits in the United States. Controversy over its diagnosis and appropriate management has led the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians to author evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines are used for the healthy children aged 2 mo to 12 yr. The guidelines do not apply to children with underlying conditions that alter the nature of middle ear disease. Underlying conditions include anatomic abnormalities such as cleft palate and genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, immunodeficiencies, and the presence of cochlear implants.