Ear infections are very common, even in toddlers. They generally come in one of two forms. The first is an outer canal skin infection, called otitis externa. The other affects the middle ear behind the eardrum and is called otitis media. Both types of ear infection can present with pain, ear drainage and decreased hearing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child who is six months old or younger should be treated with antibiotics, even if the doctor only suspects a middle ear infection.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is in the penicillin drug class and is given orally, with dosing based on the toddlers weight. It acts by attacking the bacterial cell wall. Amoxicillin has been in use for a long time and is safe and effective, especially for middle ear infections. Its most serious side effects are diarrhea, nausea and allergic reactions. Kids with known penicillin or cephalosporin allergies should not receive amoxicillin, due to the risk of developing a reaction.
Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is an antibiotic ear drop medication that is often used for ear canal and middle ear infections. It can be administered twice daily and is very effective against common skin bacteria. Ofloxacin is in a drug class called quinolones and is very safe since it stays on the external skin and does not enter the bloodstream. Antibiotic ear drops are also sometimes combined in a steroid solution, which helps to decrease inflammation in the ear.
Ear Tubes
Insertion of ear tubes is one of the most common surgical procedures, especially in children. Tubes are usually inserted due to persistent or recurring middle ear infections, and they help drain the fluid from the middle ear. That drainage usually prevents infections from forming again, and if they do, they are generally much milder than before the tubes were inserted. The procedure is very short, usually taking only about 10 to 20 minutes to perform. It is also a relatively safe procedure, with possible but unlikely side effects that include ear drum scarring, persistent ear drainage and persistent ear drum perforation.
References
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media
- "British Medical Journal"; Clinical efficacy of three common treatments in acute otitis externa in primary care: randomised controlled trial; Frank van Balen; November 2003
- Medline Plus: Ear Tube Insertion
