When to Consider Antibiotics for Ear Infection

Pediatricians say ear infections are going around, but several factors have to be considered when deciding whether a child needs antibiotics.

Angie Keith's daughter piper is only 14 months old, but has already been on seven antibiotics to treat several ear infections

A hearing test recently showed Piper’s hearing is perfect, but to be sure she is getting proper treatment, her pediatrician also referred Piper to a pediatric ear expert.

Dr. Revindhra Elluru says seven out of ten ear infections don't need antibiotics. He says the doctor must consider several factors before prescribing including:

• A child’s age, especially if the child is less than two.
• Repeat ear infections
• If child around other children often, as in a daycare situation

Kids who have parents who had ear infections as kids and those who live in a home with a smoker are at greater risk to have ear infections.