What is a common treatment for acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media (AOM), which is an infection of the middle ear, is most commonly treated with antibiotics. The rationale behind this treatment stems from the fact that AOM is often caused by bacterial infections, and antibiotics can effectively eliminate the bacteria responsible for the infection. In many cases, especially with moderate to severe symptoms, timely antibiotic treatment helps alleviate pain and prevents further complications associated with the infection.

While physical therapy may be beneficial in specific situations related to ear functions or balance problems, it is not a standard treatment for an acute ear infection. Corticosteroids might be indicated for inflammatory conditions or chronic issues, but they do not address the bacterial cause of AOM. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where there are recurrent infections or complications, which means it is not a first-line treatment for acute cases. Thus, antibiotics remain the cornerstone of treatment for acute otitis media due to their effectiveness in targeting the underlying bacterial infection.