Bottle-fed babies, especially those who drink while lying down, are more likely than breastfed children to develop ear infections. Otitis media is not contagious, but it often follows colds and similar illnesses. Children exposed to colds and the flu at daycare are at a greater risk for otitis media, as are children exposed to cigarette smoke. Genetics is important in determining susceptibility, as infections tend to run in families. In 1998, the FDA approved Rocephin, a single-dose injectable antibiotic as an alternative to oral antibiotics.
Some children have recurrent ear infections.
Doctors may prescribe low dose, long term antibiotic treatment for these patients. This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and it's normally a method of last resort. The procedure gives immediate relief in most cases. Giving antibiotics may speed up the recovery time somewhat, and can also decrease the chances of infection occurring, but is not recommended in most cases. There is a good consensus among doctors that steroids alone, antihistamines, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are inappropriate treatments for otitis media with effusion.