Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

CKS  NICE

Optimise analgesia

Avoid antibiotics as 60% are better in 24hrs without: they only reduce pain at 2 days and do not prevent deafness.  

Non-Prescription Pad and Patient Information Leaflet and NICE Information for Public

Consider immediate or back-up antibiotics for pain relief only if: 

<2 years AND bilateral acute otitis media 

or

ALL ages with otorrhoea.  

Systemically unwell or high risk of complications: immediate antibiotic