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Otitis

Alternative Names:

Ear infection; Infection - ear

Treatment:

Treatment may include antibiotics, depending on the suspected cause of the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most types of ear infection respond well to treatment. If there is no improvement after 3 days, your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic. In certain uncomplicated cases, a child over 6 months of age who does not have a fever may not be given medicine unless the infection continues after 48-72 hours. For more specific outlooks and recommendations, see the following articles:

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of otitis.

Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Review Date: 10/17/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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