What's the safest way to treat otitis media?

Symptomatic Therapy: Most ear infections are viral infections and, depending on the age group and certain other factors, often can be managed without antibiotics or other specific therapy as they are self limiting. These usually require only symptomatic therapy such as Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophen for pain. Occasionally they are bacterial and require antibiotic treatment.

Treat otitis media: If you have acute otitis media- pus in the middle ear, your primary provider will typically treat you with an oral antibiotic. If you have uninfected fluid in your middle ear, your provider may treat your with a decongestant or nasal &/or oral antiinflammatory.