Pediatric approach to the diagnosis and management of otitis media.

The diagnosis of otitis media is complicated by confusing terminology and a disease continuum with overlap between clinical entities. The patient's history often reveals determinants of otitis media chronicity and recurrence. Certain laboratory tests, including tympanocentesis for middle ear fluid culture, may be useful in treatment decisions. Although seven antimicrobial drugs are useful in treating acute otitis media, certain drugs are more useful in specific cases. There are several medical treatment options for chronic otitis media with effusion and for preventing recurrent acute otitis media.