The goal of these recent recommendations is to lessen the frequency of antibiotic use, only prescribing them when there is a certain diagnosis of AOM and/or if the patient is at a higher risk for serious bacterial infection, recognizing that less ill patients may be experiencing a viral or less virulent bacterial infection. Taking these measures will reduce exposure to unnecessary antibiotics, slowing the increase in bacterial resistance, without harm to the patient.

Disclosures

Dr. David C. Turell wrote “Acute Otitis Media in Children.” Dr. Turell is a staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic, Pediatric Urgent Care, Department of General Pediatrics, in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Robert C. Solomon is Medical Editor in Chief of ACEP News and editor of the “Focus On… Critical Decisions” series, core faculty in the emergency medicine residency at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa., and assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia. Mary Anne Mitchell is an ACEP staff member who reviews and manages the ACEP “Focus On… Critical Decisions” series.

Disclosures

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards and American College of Emergency Physicians policy, all individuals in control of content must disclose to the program audience the existence of significant financial interests in or relationships with manufacturers of commercial products that might have a direct interest in the subject matter.

Dr. Turell, Dr. Solomon, and Ms. Mitchell have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies that pertain to this article. There is no commercial support for this activity.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The American College of Emergency Physicians is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American College of Emergency Physicians designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

“Focus On… Critical Decisions: Acute Otitis Media in Children” is approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for 1 ACEP Category I credit.

Disclaimer

ACEP makes every effort to ensure that contributors to College-sponsored programs are knowledgeable authorities in their fields. Participants are nevertheless advised that the statements and opinions expressed in this article are provided as guidelines and should not be construed as College policy. The material contained herein is not intended to establish policy, procedure, or a standard of care. The views expressed in this article are those of the contributors and not necessarily the opinion or recommendation of ACEP. The College disclaims any liability or responsibility for the consequences of any actions taken in reliance on those statements or opinions.