AAP guideline on use of antibiotics
| Age | Certain diagnosis | Uncertain diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| <6 months | Antibacterial treatment | Antibacterial treatment |
| 6 months to 2 years | Antibacterial treatment | Antibacterial treatment if severe illness; observation option if non-severe illness |
| ⩾2 years | Antibacterial treatment if severe illness; observation option if non-severe illness | Observation option |
| • Non-severe illness is mild otalgia and fever <39°C in the past 24 hours | ||
| • Severe illness is moderate to severe otalgia or fever ⩾39°C | ||
| • A certain diagnosis meets all three criteria: (1) rapid onset, (2) signs of middle ear effusion, and (3) signs and symptoms of middle ear inflammation | ||