The most common cause of otitis media in children is pneumococ | Paediatrics videos & books

The most common cause of otitis media in children is pneumococcus (S. pneumoniae). This is also the most common cause of sinusitis and pneumonia. Otitis media is usually seen in conjunction with an upper respiratory tract infection. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2003, pp. 490–500) Pressure from extensive use of antimicrobials has resulted in a dramatic increase in penicillin resistance in pneumococcus. Amoxicillin remains the recommended initial antibiotic of choice for the treatment of otitis media in children. In an effort to reduce the incidence of antibiotic resistance, and because of the high spontaneous cure rate of otitis media, many authorities are advocating withholding antimicrobial treatment unless symptoms persist for several days in spite of symptomatic treatment.