Ear infections are common in young children resulting in millions of office visits and antibiotic prescriptions annually. Acute otitis media (AOM) includes intense signs and symptoms of infection and inflammation and is the most common bacterial illness in children for which antibacterial agents are prescribed in the United States. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is even more common. About 90% of children have OME at some time before school age, most often between ages 6 months and 4 years. OME often follows colds and viral infections or actual ear infections and will usually clear up on its own without treatment.
