My GP says I have a middle ear infection. Why doesn't she give me antibiotics?

The routine use of antibiotics to treat middle ear infections isn't recommended, as there is no evidence they speed up the healing process. Most infections are caused by viruses, rather than bacteria, and using antibiotics unnecessarily increases the likelihood of bacterial resistance.

Middle ear infections often clear up within a few days and there is no specific treatment other than painkillers. €Intervention occurs when an infection hasn't resolved on its own,€ says Louise Hart. €The use of inhalations, nasal sprays, steamers, Valsalva manoeuvres and devices such as the Otovent can help the middle ear to drain itself.€