Ear Infections: Antibiotics

Otitis Media is the name that is given to any infection that takes place in the middle year. Generally, such infection is bacterial in nature, that is to say, it occurs due to the presence and infestation of bacteria. Antibiotics are a good solution to this problem. For children, such bacterial infection can be cured in about 5 days. However, for children younger than 2 years, the antibiotics will take about 7 to 10 days to cure the infection completely. In certain cases the ear infection may be more deep rooted and therefore, medication may have to continue for a longer period of time.

Antibiotics can be consumed in form of pills or liquid syrups. In many cases, shots need to be taken for the first dosage of the antibiotics and thereafter the normal intake can start. Ceftriaxone is the name of one such antibiotic that is given as a shot. Normally, just one shot would be enough, but in special cases shots are to be given for 3 days in a row.

Why It Is Used

Infection caused by bacteria can be cleared up by antibiotics. Amoxicillin is one such antibiotic. It is not only less expensive than other brands of antibiotics but it is also highly effective.

Antibiotics are also, in several cases especially with children, used for prevention rather than cure. That is to say, it is used as a preventive measure for children who are most likely to get such an infection.

How Well It Works

All ear infections are not very serious. Therefore, it is not a good idea to put the children on antibiotic medication as soon as the child starts complaining of a disturbance in the ear. About 80 percent of the children get better in a day or two on their own. Only about 20 percent of them experience persistent disturbance. Therefore, parents are advised to wait for a couple of days before putting their child on antibiotics.

Antibiotics treat only bacterial infections. Any infection caused by virus will not be cured using antibiotics. Therefore, no point giving you child antibiotics dosage without first determining what the infection is caused by.

Antibiotics work really fast. Within 48 hours from the first dosage the child's condition will improve. If that does not happen, it is time to see the doctor for an advanced treatment.

Also giving antibiotics over long periods of time doesn't work. The child stops responding to antibiotics when there is really an infection to be treated.