Otitis media in children

Article Abstract:

The diagnosis of the ear infection otitis media in children is difficult and opinions on treatment vary. Symptoms include inflammation of the ear drum, pain, fluid in the ear, fever, irritability, and vomiting. Otitis media is generally diagnosed too often. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective, though may be unnecessary in two thirds of cases. If antibiotics are prescribed too often, strains of drug resistant bacteria can develop. An infection that does not respond to initial antibiotic treatment may be treated with a combination of antibiotics. If the infection persists a hole should be put in the eardrum to allow fluid drainage. The suspicion that hearing loss from ear infections can cause language development and behavioral problems has not been firmly proven. An infection with fluid that restricts hearing for 4 months should be treated by putting tubes in the ear drum for drainage.

Care and treatment, Otitis media

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Who should determine when health care is medically necessary?

Article Abstract:

Insurance companies should not be able to overturn a doctor's decision unless they can point to substantial scientific evidence that the decision is not in the best interests of the patient. Until the 1980s, most insurance companies did not challenge the doctor's decision. However, managed care organizations in particular routinely decide which services they will cover and are therefore deciding which treatment plans are unnecessary. Federal legislation may be required to ensure that insurance companies act in a reasonable manner.

Insurance industry, Ethical aspects, Medical ethics

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The fragility of the U.S. vaccine supply

Article Abstract:

The number of companies that produces vaccines for the United Sates has declined due to the absence of competitors with sufficient capacity to compensate for the shortfalls. Vaccine suppliers face increasingly stringent regulation of production, as they undergo frequent FDA inspections of their production facilities.

United States, Market information - general, Supply and demand, Powers and duties, Vaccines, United States. Food and Drug Administration

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