Otalgia
In a non-verbal child, otalgia may present as holding, tugging, rubbing of the ear.
| TABLE 41 |
| Recommendations for Initial Management for Uncomplicated AOM |
| Age |
Otorrhea With AOM |
Unilateral or Bilateral AOM With Severe Symptoms |
Bilateral AOM Without Otorrhea |
Unilateral AOM Without Otorrhea |
| 6 mo to 2 y |
Antibiotic therapy |
Antibiotic therapy |
Antibiotic therapy |
Antibiotic therapy or additional observation |
| ≥2 y |
Antibiotic therapy |
Antibiotic therapy |
Antibiotic therapy or additional observation |
Antibiotic therapy or additional observation |
Note: Criteria for a short course (≤7 days) of antibiotics for AOM includes patients ≥2 years of age with mild or moderate AOM, ear pain <48 hours, and fever <39C (102.2F).
1Lieberthal AS, Carroll AE, Chonmaitree T, et al. AAP Clinical Practice Guideline: the diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 2013;131(3):e964-e999