|
|
|
| Sat, Nov. 21 - - Mobile - RSS | |
|
|
Time often best Rx for ear pain
Increasingly, doctors are trying a 'wait-and-see' approach in the treatment of ear infections in childrenDate published: 10/1/2006 The term "watchful waiting" usually describes a treatment for prostate cancer. Increasingly, it also describes an option for treating ear infections in children. Pediatricians and family-practice doctors say they often delay before prescribing an antibiotic for children with ear pain. They treat the pain and monitor the symptoms before offering an antibiotic. This approach is inspired by the notion that antibiotics don't help if the infection is caused by a virus. Also, the frequent use of antibiotics can lead to another problem--antibiotic resistance. "We're watching closely while we wait just a couple of days," said Dr. Kathy Smyth, a pediatric hospitalist at Mary Washington Hospital. Recent studies support this approach, including one published this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association. That study concluded that antibiotics make little difference in curing ear pain in children. But doctors also know that the scientific ideal sometimes conflicts with the realities of practice. Ear pain can be tricky to diagnose, especially when the patient is a crying infant, said Dr. Pamela Mancini, a Fredericksburg pediatrician. Sore throat, runny nose or teething may be the cause of the pain. And even if the child is pulling on the ears, the ears may not be infected. In addition, parents sometimes expect an antibiotic in hopes of a speedier recovery. "We are so geared to getting the kids back to school, getting them back to day care," Mancini said. Ear infection, or otitis media, is one of the most common of childhood ailments. Three out of four children experience it by the time they are 3 years old, according to the National Institutes of Health. The problem begins when parts of the ear become swollen, often from a cold. Fluid becomes trapped inside the middle ear, and viruses or bacteria grow in the fluid. The result is an infection and a sick, uncomfortable child. To make the diagnosis, doctors usually rely on their examination of the child and the testimony of the parents. Mancini said she wants to know "how long has it been going on, how severe are the symptoms and how disabling are the symptoms." She also asks about the child's prior history with ear infections and the age of the child.
Read more stories about Fredericksburg Date published: 10/1/2006
|
 |
|||
|
|||
