Medical Health Encyclopedia

Preventive Antibiotics. Antibiotics have been used to prevent bacterial infections in children with recurrent ear infections (4 or more episodes a year). Studies suggest, however, that overall they only prevent 1 episode a year, and are not generally recommended for prevention, except for specific situations.

Pneumococcal Vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine protects (Prevnar or PCV7) against S. pneumoniae (also called pneumococcal) bacteria, the most common cause of middle ear infections and other respiratory infections. It has now been added to the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule and is also specifically approved for preventing otitis media. An important 2003 study indicated that these vaccinations could result in 1.7 million fewer office visits, 24% fewer procedures for tube implants, and significantly fewer antibiotic prescriptions.

The recommended schedule of immunization is four doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. Infants starting immunization between 7 and 11 months should have three doses. (Parents should be sure their infants receive their second and third doses by 6 months in order to achieve on-going protection from ear infections.) Children starting their vaccinations between 12 and 23 months only need two doses. Those who are over 2 years old need only one dose.

Dietary Factors and Supplements

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Healthy Diet. Daily diets should include foods such as fresh, dark-colored fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and other important food chemicals that help boost the immune system.

Foods Containing Lactobaccilli (Good Bacteria). Researchers are studying the possible protective value of certain strains of lactobacilli, bacteria found in the intestines. Some of these strains, particularly acidophilus, are used to make yogurt. In one study,  milk containing the strain lactobacilli GG reduced respiratory infections in children who attended day care by 10 - 20%.