Otitis media. Update on a common, frustrating problem.

Otitis media is extremely common in infants and young children and has important ramifications for the children, their families, and society in general. The essential elements of management are early diagnosis, adequate therapy with appropriate antibacterial agents, and conscientious follow-up to promptly detect and treat potential and actual complications. The primary care physician who treats young children is the critical health-care provider in the diagnosis of otitis media, initial treatment, and timely referral when appropriate.