Ear inflammation, or otitis media, requires a competent approach to treatment. Therapeutic measures should be aimed at eliminating both the manifestations of the disorder and the causes of the onset of the disease. It is especially important to normalize the child's condition in a short time. Antibacterial drugs are often used for this purpose. What antibiotic is best for otitis media in children? When should these medicines be used? We will consider these and other questions below.
The feasibility of antibiotic therapy
Is it possible to cure otitis media in a child without antibiotics? Otitis media is the general name for inflammatory processes localized in the ear. But the violation can be triggered by the effects of viruses, fungi, bacteria. In childhood, the development of otitis media often occurs against the background of ARVI, if a bacterial infection has joined this violation, the use of antibacterial drugs is justified. But before prescribing these drugs, the specialist must determine which excite was the cause of the inflammation.
In childhood, purulent otitis media often develops. But even with such a violation, experts are recommended to refrain from using antibacterial agents.
As practice shows, only 1% of children with ear inflammation need antibiotic treatment.
In addition, therapy will not be more effective if antibacterial agents are used immediately, without waiting 2-3 days.
However, expectant tactics are applicable only for a child after 2 years of age.
In addition, the treatment of otitis media in children with antibiotics is carried out in the following situations:
- severe painful sensations that interfere with proper sleep;
- increase in temperature values up to 39 ° C;
- intense pallor of the skin and the presence of other symptoms of intoxication of the body.
Next, consider the antibacterial drugs that are most often used to treat otitis media in children.
Penicillins
Penicillin antibiotics are most often used to treat a child, since they are well tolerated by the child's body and have minimal side effects. The most famous means of this group is Amoxicillin (Flemoxin Solutab). The medication is produced in the form of tablets with a pleasant taste or powder. This form of medication is convenient for treating children.
If this antibiotic for otitis media in a child does not give the necessary therapeutic effect, a stronger drug, Amoxiclav, can be used as directed by a specialist. These funds, as well as other drugs of this drug group (Ampicellin, Sulfamicillin) can be used in the absence of sensitivity to penicillin.
Cephalosporins
These antibiotics for otitis media in children are used in case of intolerance to penicillin. Cefuroxime Axetil and Omnicef (Cefpodoxime Procetyl) are most often used in pediatrics. Such medicines have a pronounced antimicrobial effect and rarely cause the development of allergic reactions.
However, you should know that cephalosporins are capable of destroying vitamin K in the body and disrupting the process of hematopoiesis.
In this regard, these drugs, as well as other antibacterial agents, should be used strictly as prescribed by a specialist.
Macrolides
Macrolides are new generation antibiotics and have several advantages over antibacterial drugs of other groups. These funds show high efficiency against most bacteria and have practically no side effects. In childhood, macrolides are used with caution and only in cases where the use of other agents is ineffective. The most commonly used drugs are Clarithromycin, Roxithromycin, Azithromycin. In addition to the antimicrobial effect, these medicines activate the immune system and stop the further development of the inflammatory process. However, precisely because of the intense effect on the immune system, macrolides are rarely used in childhood.
Topical agents
Otitis externa is a mild form of ear inflammation. Antibacterial drugs in tablet form are used very rarely in this case. Most often, the use of topical agents is sufficient to treat the disease. But with severe symptoms, antibacterial ear drops can be used. Also, these medicines are used for otitis media.
The most commonly used drugs are:
- Candibiotic - potent antimicrobial substances and lidocaine are present in the composition of the drug, due to which the agent quickly relieves painful sensations and stops the development of inflammation.
- Anuran is an effective antibacterial agent containing lidocaine. The drug should not be used if the integrity of the tympanic membrane is damaged.
- Normax is a broad-spectrum agent, therefore it is often used in pediatrics, sometimes after using the drug, a hypersensitivity reaction may develop.
- Otofa is an effective antibiotic that helps to quickly stop the process of inflammation in the ear cavity. However, this medication does not help to get rid of painful sensations.
- Sofradex - due to the presence of hormones in childhood, the drug is prescribed in rare cases.
Recommendations for the use of antibiotics
You cannot prescribe an antibiotic for otitis media on your own.
Improper use of these funds, in addition to developing a strong allergic reaction, can lead to a chronic form of the disease.
The medicine must be used strictly in the doses prescribed by the attending physician. Failure to comply with this recommendation will most likely lead to dysbiosis. It is also possible for the patient's body to become addicted to this drug.
The course of treatment with antibacterial agents is most often 5-7 days.
Without the appointment of a specialist, you cannot use an antibiotic for otitis media for children longer than the specified time. It is also forbidden to independently interrupt the therapeutic course when the symptoms of the disease disappear.
If, after 2-3 days of treatment, the child's condition does not improve, on the recommendation of a specialist, the drug used is changed to another, stronger drug.
In order to prevent the development of an allergic reaction in combination with antibacterial drugs, antihistamines are usually used. Also, probiotics and bifidobacteria are used to prevent disorders of the digestive tract.
The negative effect of antibiotics
Antibacterial drugs help to cope with the inflammatory process in a short time and prevent the development of possible complications. But at the same time, these medicines have a negative effect on other organs and systems of the child's body.
Often, after using antibacterial agents, allergic reactions develop, which are manifested by itching, rash, edema, flushing of the skin, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock is possible. Also, under the influence of these drugs, the normal functioning of the digestive tract is disrupted - there are pains in the abdomen, nausea, diarrhea, dysbiosis. Certain drugs can interfere with liver and kidney function. If any undesirable symptoms occur, you should stop taking the medication and consult your doctor about further treatment.
