Antibiotics and the Aware Parent - As a parent, what do you need to know?

As a parent, what do you need to know?

• That there is mounting evidence from the research community that the use of antibiotics has very little effect on Acute Otitis Media.
• That your doctor may be prescribing antibiotics based on old habits or the concern of developing acute mastoiditis, which has proven to be rare.
• That when delaying the use of antibiotics for 72 hours, even if your child is suffering from fever and vomiting, 50 percent of all children improve within that time period.
• That children with Acute Otitis Media but without fever and vomiting receive very little benefit from the use of antibiotics (this child should not begin antibiotics unless their condition worsens).
• It’s your child and you can take the initiative by asking your pediatrician to consider waiting 72 hours before introducing the antibiotic.

Prevention is the Key

New guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that the clinician take an active role in preventing Acute Otitis Media. A few suggestions included:

• Altering child care center attendance • Breastfeeding for the first 6 months • Avoid supine bottle-feeding (bottle propping) • Reduce or eliminate pacifier in the second six months of life • Eliminate exposure to passive smoke

A Healthy Alternative

Take the common sense approach to otitis media and consider chiropractic care. The Fallon study with 332 participating children suggests that chiropractic care may be more effective than drug therapy ⁽⁷⁾.

Be aware that your chiropractor is not opposed to antibiotics when necessary, but the chiropractic profession acknowledges that over usage is prevalent in our country and that the habits of medical doctors may not have caught up with the latest research.

A Final Thought

For the overall wellness of your child, participate in all decisions when it comes to the usage of antibiotics and seek other non-invasive forms of care. Remember, it’s your child and you have a say in his or her care. Most importantly, initiate healthy lifestyle choices for your family and include regular chiropractic care as part of your family’s achievement towards wellness.

About the Author:

Dr. Anrig is a long time board member of the ICPA. She has taught for their Diplomate program for over 15 years and has co-authored the most comprehensive, chiropractic pediatric text book. She can be reached via our doctor's directory: www.icpa4kids.com

References:

1. Bain J. Childhood otalgia: Acute Otitis Media. 2. Justification for antibiotic use in general practice. BMJ 1990;300: 1006-1007.
2. Browning G. Childhood otalgia: Acute Otitis Media. 1. Antibiotics not necessary in most cases. BMJ 1990; 300: 1005-1006.
3. Froom J, Culpepper L, et al, Antimicrobials for Acute Otitis Media? A review from the international primary care network. BMJ 1997; 315: 98-102.
4. Glasziou P, Del Mar C, et al. Antibiotics for Acute Otitis Media in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD000219.
5. http://aap.org/advocacy/releases/aomqa.htm
6. Little PS, Gould, et al Predictors of poor outcome and benefits from antibiotics in children with Acute Otitis Media: pragmatic randomized trial. BMJ 2002;325:22 (6 July).
7. Fallon JM. The role of the chiropractic adjustment in the care and treatment of 332 children with otitis media. JCCP, 1997:2,2:167-183.

This article appeared in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #02.

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