Čes-slov Pediat 2026, 81(3):148-154 | DOI: 10.55095/CSPediatrie2026/016

Current recommendations for the diagnosis and management of otitis media in childrenPediatrické postupy v praxi

Michal Bartoš^{1, 2}, Milan Urík^{1, 2}, Vít Kruntorád^{1, 2}, Barbora Petrová¹, Ivo Šlapák^{1, 2}, Petr Jabandžiev^{2, 3}

¹ Klinika dětské otorhinolaryngologie, Fakultní nemocnice Brno

² Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova univerzita, Brno

³ Pediatrická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Brno

Acute otitis media (AOM) in children remains a key issue in pediatric practice due to its high incidence and impact on antibiotic prescribing. Modern diagnostic procedures emphasize the objectification of findings using magnifying otoscopy. Therapy focuses on the selective indication of antibiotics, the preference for basic penicillin antibiotics in risk groups

, and the optimization of treatment duration. Emphasis is placed on analgesia, proper patient stratification, and support for antibiotic administration. This review summarizes current recommendations and new procedures aimed at more accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment of AOM in the pediatric population.

The statement reflects the call of the European Academy of Pediatrics (EAP) as part of the global Choosing Wisely campaign.

Keywords: acute otitis media, pediatrics, antibiotics, watchful waiting, otoscopy, antibiotic resistance

Received: January 20, 2026; Revised: February 26, 2026; Accepted: February 27, 2026; Published: July 1, 2026  Show citation