[Recurrent and long-lasting otitis media in children].

Recurrent otitis media is especially a social and economic problem. Treatment of risk factors generally reduces the frequency of relapses, and allows to await spontaneous improvement with age and to avoid a course toward progressive chronic otitis media. Prolonged otitis media is gradually replacing classic acute mastoiditis. Its increased incidence is correlated with the selection of increasingly resistant bacteria with the influence of antibiotic use. Treatment requires bacterial sampling and often hospitalisation for parenteral antibiotic treatment.