New study aims to reduce the use of oral antibiotics for ear infections in children

Middle ear infections, known medically as acute otitis media (AOM), are common painful infections in children, for which there are up to three million treatment episodes in England and Wales each year. They are often treated with antibiotics by mouth. However, these can cause side effects like rashes, diarrhoea and vomiting, and their over-use contributes to the growing global health threat of antibiotic resistance. Researchers from the Universities of Bristol, Southampton, King ’ s College London and Imperial College London, are collaborating on a new study to investigate alternative treatments, which they hope will reduce unnecessary oral antibiotic use, while relieving painful symptoms and reducing healthcare costs.
Source: University of Bristol news - Category: Universities & Medical Training Tags: Health, International, Research; Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Population Health Sciences; Press Release Source Type: news