Developments in diagnosing and treating otitis media.

Acute otitis media is commonly caused by pneumococcus and Hemophilus influenzae. Amoxicillin is recommended as the initial therapy when the causative agent has not been identified. If amoxicillin is ineffective, cefaclor is useful. Decongestants are of little proven value. Since most middle ear effusions resolve spontaneously in three to four months, surgical treatment is seldom indicated.