What is the typical duration of symptoms for Acute Otitis Media?

The typical duration of symptoms for Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is generally short and self-limiting, making it a self-resolving condition in many infants and children. Most cases of AOM resolve within a few days to a week, often without the need for antibiotic treatment. The acute nature of the condition usually means that symptoms are intense but brief, including ear pain, irritability, and sometimes fever, typically resolving as the underlying infection subsides.

In acute scenarios, the body's immune response actively fights off the infection, leading to rapid symptom relief. This contrasts with prolonged or chronic conditions, which would suggest a more lasting presence of symptoms, something not characteristic of acute otitis media. While some children may experience recurrent episodes, the symptoms of each individual episode remain short-lived rather than intermittent over long periods or constant without relief, reinforcing why a self-limiting duration is the hallmark of AOM.