Which statement describes a treatment option for acute otitis media?

In the context of acute otitis media (AOM), the correct statement regarding treatment options is that antibiotics may be required. Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear commonly seen in children, often characterized by symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and irritability.

When the infection is caused by bacteria and the symptoms are severe or persistent, or when the child is under a certain age, antibiotics are indeed considered necessary to effectively treat the infection. These medications help resolve the infection by targeting the bacterial organisms causing it and alleviating the associated symptoms.

Supportive care, while important, typically encompasses pain management and monitoring symptoms, which may not suffice if a bacterial infection is present. This emphasizes the importance of assessing the severity and duration of the symptoms to determine whether antibiotics are indicated. Immediate surgery is not a routine treatment for AOM and is reserved for complicated cases, and stating that ear infections are not treated does not reflect current medical practices. Therefore, recognizing that there are situations where antibiotics are essential is vital in managing acute otitis media effectively.