Antimicrobial treatment of ENT infections.

ENT infections are the most common childhood infections and the leading causes of antibiotic prescriptions. These infections are mainly due to viruses and most of them (even if bacterial species are implicated) resolve spontaneously. Therefore, the first message is to not prescribe antibiotics in the following situations: common cold, non-streptococcal pharyngitis, laryngitis, non-purulent otitis media, etc. For sore throat/pharyngitis, the antibiotic treatment decision is based mainly on the use of group A streptococcus rapid diagnostic tests. For otitis media, only purulent forms occurring in children less than 2 years of age and most severe situations in older children should be treated with antibiotics. Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for the vast majority of ENT infections requiring antibiotic treatment. Severe ENT infections (mastoiditis, epiglottitis, retro- and parapharyngeal abscesses, and ethmoiditis) are therapeutic emergencies requiring in most cases hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.