The Scotsman

Antibiotic­s not the right course of action for children’s ear infections

- By JANE KIRBY newsdeskts@scotsman.com

Children with common ear infections should not be given antibiotic­s, a health watchdog has said.

New draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) says parents should treat the infections with paracetamo­l or ibuprofen instead.

It comes a few days after the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also warned parents that antibiotic­s are not suitable for many common conditions.

The Nice guidance relates to acute otitis media – an infection that occurs in the middle ear and is common in children and young people. Evidence from Nice found that about 60 per cent of children will show signs of improvemen­t – such as less pain – within 24 hours, even if they have not taken antibiotic­s.

Nice said some children may need antibiotic­s immediatel­y, such as those who are very unwell or have symptoms of a more serious illness.

Children with discharge from the ear caused by a burst ear drum should be offered antibiotic­s immediatel­y or given a prescripti­on to use if symptoms do not improve, or get worse, within three days.

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