Vol.6 Issue 1
Otitis media

Otitis media (OM) is among the most common childhood illnesses in the United States (US). Approximately 50 percent of US children experience at least one episode of OM by their first birthday and 80 percent experience an episode by age three. The annual cost to treat OM and its complications is estimated at three to four billion dollars (1). 

Historically, antibiotics have been a cornerstone therapy for OM. However, in recent years, parents and clinicians have begun to question their effectiveness for uncomplicated episodes of OM. Additionally, there is a concern that antibiotic overuse might lead to the emergence of drug-resistant organisms. Indeed, some pathogens that cause OM have become resistant to many antibiotics, necessitating the use of broader spectrum and more costly drugs (2). 

In many European countries, it’s common practice to forego antibiotic therapy for OM and focus instead on treatments that reduce symptoms and strengthen the immune system’s ability to clear the infectious agent. In this issue of Flyway, we explore the use of CAM therapies to manage OM.
Barbara Swanson, DNSc, RN, ACRN
Associate Professor
Rush University College of Nursing

References
1.         Cook KA, Walsh M. Acute otitis media. Emedicine 2005.  Retrieved at: http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic351.htm

2.         Subcommittee on Management of Acute Otitis Media.  Diagnosis and management of acute otitis media.  Pediatrics 2004;113:1451-1465.