When should a patient with otitis media be reviewed after starting treatment?

A patient with otitis media should be reviewed after 48 hours of initiating treatment primarily to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and to monitor the progression of symptoms. Otitis media, especially when it presents with significant symptoms, can often require close follow-up to determine whether the patient is improving or if further action is needed, such as altering the treatment protocol or considering the need for referral.

Reviewing at this time allows the healthcare provider to ensure that symptoms are not worsening and that the patient is responding to treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen after this period, it may indicate the need for further evaluation, potentially ruling out complications or considering alternative diagnoses. The choice of 48 hours strikes a balance; it is close enough to effectively monitor early response without being overly frequent, which could be unnecessary unless the situation demands it.

In contrast, a follow-up at 24 hours may be too soon for a significant assessment of response, given that medications such as antibiotics require time to exert their effects. A review at 72 hours might still be adequate for some cases, yet it delays intervention if there is a lack of improvement. Opting for a 1-week follow-up may not be timely enough in cases where early intervention could make a difference in the