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Also known as: AOM · ear infection · middle ear infection
An acute middle-ear infection, common in children — ear pain, fever and a bulging, red tympanic membrane. Most are self-limiting; analgesia is the priority.
Mainly young children (Eustachian-tube anatomy); usually follows an upper respiratory infection. Risk with bottle-feeding, smoke exposure and daycare.
When an antibiotic is indicated (first-line)
Caution: Reserve antibiotics per criteria (stewardship).
Pain and fever
Guidelines change. If something here is out of date, tell us — we keep these current.
🚩 Report outdated / suggest update