In the context of an increase in the frequency of isolation of resistant strains of the main pathogens of acute otitis media (OSO), the interest in a thorough diagnosis of OSO and the future management of antibacterial drugs is renewed. Two studies reflect current approaches to this problem.

In the first, the researchers compared two methods to assess the condition of the eardrum and determine the fluid in the middle ear using a video tape: simple otoscopy and pneumatic otoscopy (pneumatic otoscopy is one of the methods for determining the mobility of the eardrum) in 50 children. Fluid detection in the middle ear was higher with pneumatic otoscopy than with conventional otoscopy (76% and 61%, respectively).

Although many clinicians do not use pneumatic otoscopy, study results indicate that determining the mobility of the tympanic membrane improves the ability to determine the presence of fluid in the middle ear, and otoscopy pneumatics should be a mandatory method for diagnosing acute otitis media.

In a multicenter study in Cincinnati, a survey of the parents of 175 children with acute otitis media (ages 1 to 12 years old, average age 5 years) was conducted on the appointment of antibacterial drugs. The study did not include children with body temperature above 38 ° C who recently had otitis media, or who showed signs of bacterial infection from another location. Parents received antipyretic drugs, local ear drops and prescriptions for antibacterial drugs. The researchers recommended that parents give their child an antibacterial drug if the symptoms of acute otitis media do not go away within 48 hours. 120 parents (69%) did not use antibiotics; 97% of them indicated that they would be ready to use only pain relievers in the future (that is, they could do without antibiotics). Most parents who gave the child an antibiotic indicated that they did so because of persistent pain and fever. Basically, the vast majority of parents have only prescribed ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol).

The results of the second study show that parents of older children with acute otitis media with moderate symptoms of the disease are ready to follow the expected tactics regarding the appointment of antibiotics.