new treatment for middle ear infections with ear tubes combines antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications. Middle ear infections strike millions of children each year. Children between the ages of six months and three years old, particularly if they attend day care, are the most susceptible. Ear infections usually occur after a cold or other respiratory infection, causing swelling of the tube that drains the middle ear into the throat. Some children, particularly younger children with a shorter or less slanted passageway between the middle ear and throat, have repeated ear infections that require the insertion of ear tubes, called tympanostomy tubes, to help ventilate the ear. Ear tube insertion is the most commonly performed pediatric surgical procedure in the U.S. Each year, about 2 million children have to have ear tubes inserted due to repeated ear infections or to help drain fluid from the ear. The middle ear is a grapesized, air-filled cavity located behind the eardrum. When an infection occurs here, it causes the middle ear to fill with fluid and sometimes pus. Pressure from this buildup pushes on the eardrum, causing pain. Because the ear- drum cannot vibrate, your child may also experience a temporary hearingloss. Without proper treatment, chronic middle ear infections can result in long-term damage of the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear, and even permanent hear- ing impairment. Even temporary periods of hearing loss in young children can cause delays in speech development andlearning. Now, a newly approved topical he ‘ Middle ear infections affect millions of children each year, secondonly to the commoncold. medication for patients with middle ear infection with tubes— Ciprodex Otic Suspension—combines the potent antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin with the anti-inflammatory properties of dexamethasone. “Ciprodex Otic is an important therapeutic advance,” explains Peter S. Roland, MD, professor and chairman, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “The anti-inflammatory part of this new ear drop decreases inflammation, which allows the antibiotic to better reach the site of the infection and to work more quickly andeffectively.” Clinical studies of this new treatment show that it can clear up middle ear infections in children with ear tubes quicker than ear drops that contain just an antibiotic. The side effects of this new treatment, such as ear dis- comfort, residue in the ear, and irritability, are mild. Speak to your child’s physician to determinethe best way to manage ear infections. For more information about this new ear drop, visit www.ciprodex.com.
