Article Review "Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media"
Introduction
The study by Subcommittee (2004), was an investigation on the best management protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated Acute Otitis Media(AOM) to determine the course of action and treatment. It focused on patients aged 4 weeks to 12 years and the main questions on the article included observation, pain, antibacterial treatment, choosing antibacterial medication and preventative measures to be taken by clinicians in dealing with AOM. The article had a limited scope of study, and it was applied to children with no indications of infections to the ear or other ailments that would otherwise affect the progress of AOM.
Analysis of the Article and findings
The subcommittee applied a complex evidence-based evaluation of studies and came up with different scenarios to diagnose and treat AOM. One of the ways to determine this condition is by evaluating the history of the child's condition and establish the presence of Middle-Ear Effusion (MEE). The clinician can then determine the next course of action to manage the problem. The other aspect of diagnosis is the determining the pain levels and recommend a course of treatment for the same. At the same time, the clinician should observe the child keenly. During this step, the clinician ascertains AOM through illness seriousness, age, and follow-up. If AOM is confirmed an antibacterial treatment should be initiated. Should the illness call for antibacterial treatment, if a decision is made to treat diagnosed AOM with an antibacterial agent, the clinician, According to the Authors, a dosage at 80 to 90 mg/kg per day of amoxicillin should be made prescribed as it works for many children. After this treatment, signs of improvement should be seen within 48 and 72 hours failure to which the clinician next course of action is to evaluate and confirm the existence of AOM and eliminate other illnesses as the cause. At this stage, if the presence AOM is re-affirmed after re-examination, an alternative antibacterial agent should be prescribed. The authors agree that clinicians have the option of promoting the prevention of AOM causes such as smoking, breastfeeding, antenatal care and use of The others have agree that Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) for treatment of AOM is available. The various methods used include homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, chiropractic treatments, and nutritional supplements. However, the article cautions on the use of these methods. The authors are unsure of the benefits or risks involved with CAM and they make no recommendation as a result of lack evidence to support CAM to treat AOM.
Evaluation
The article by the Subcommittee, 2004) provide critical and factual data on AOM diagnosis and treatment. This is a great asset to the education and medical fraternity especially professionals in pediatrics and family medicine. It is important to note that the article presents evidence and detailed view of almost all natural cause AOM. The quality of the composition the Subcommittee is major boost to the acceptability of this article. The people who have written this article are highly experienced intellectuals and the quality of the article is clear. The article before publishing was peer reviewed making it a valuable practice and scholarly work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article is a big resource, but an expanded scope of the study. This owes to the fact that AOM is prevalent in many children. The paper should also have dedicated enough time and resources to study and present recommendations on CAM. Furthuremore, the article failed to include alternative treatment methods for AOM. However, the article presents significant insights regarding the diagnosis and management of Acute Otitis Media. What is more, the section on future areas for study is an opportunity to develop on the findings of this article.
