Now there are new guidelines out that may help parents make better decisions for a child with an earache.
They suggest that if the infection appears to be only on one side, and the child has only mild symptoms, antibiotics may not be a first choice.
However, if a baby younger than 2 years old has acute pain or a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, that child should be given antibiotics.
When it doubt, they say, call a pediatrician's office.
The recommendations are in the journal Pediatrics.
