What to Do About Recurring Illnesses

 odds.

There's yet another reason for the uptick in AOM: "One of the most worrisome trends of the past few decades has been the emergence of antibiotic resistance among the 'big three' bacteria that cause most cases of AOM," says Ali Andalibi, PhD, a researcher in the department of cell and molecular biology at the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles. Researchers have found that many germs are currently resistant to penicillin, and some are resistant to other antibiotics as well.

Advice for Parents

If your pediatrician suggests watchful waiting—a pain-and-fever reliever but no antibiotics for 48 to 72 hours—consider this approach. "Most kids get better with or without antibiotics," says Dr. Kimberlin. "Some kids need them. But antibiotic overuse is leading to serious problems."

If your child has had three ear infections in a six-month period, or four in one year (with the most recent in the past month), talk to your doctor about whether they should get ear tubes, says Anthony Magit, MD, associate clinical professor of pediatrics and otolaryngology at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

Diarrhea

If your child has recurrent bouts of diarrhea, it could be due to rotavirus, which spreads easily in daycare. Diarrhea in children is quite common, though, and it can be prompted by a host of issues. According to Dr. Madhankumar, the following are common causes of diarrhea: bacteria, viruses like rotavirus, parasites, certain medications like laxatives or antibiotics, or food poisoning. Less common causes can include irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, food allergies, and celiac disease.

What's Normal

One or two cases a year is average; up to three episodes is within the normal range.

What's Not Normal

Diarrhea that lasts more than five days; dehydration.

Why Your Child Might Be Vulnerable to Diarrhea

The loose bowels of babyhood and early toddlerhood can be impressive both in their number and explosive power. Most are caused by the highly contagious rotavirus. which is spread through the stool of an infected person. The virus can survive for days on countertops and hard surfaces, as