April 09, 2025

Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children

28 minutes

Episode one of four on Paediatric ENT conditions. Doctors Lisa and Sara are joined by Paediatric Ear Nose and Throat Consultant Dr Simone Schaefer for this episode on Recurrent Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in Children. A common problem, we take a classic presentation and work through getting the diagnosis right, red flags and differentials before discussing management and which children may need referrals. We then discuss the limited options of what might be done in an ENT clinic and helpful resources for families.

You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

Useful Resources:

NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries on Acute Otitis Media (including initial presentation, persistent infections and recurrent infections (updated August 2024): https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/otitis-media-acute/

Hoberman et al. 2021 NEJM Tympanostomy tube placement or medical management for recurrent acute otitis media: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2027278

Resource for Patients:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ear-infections-in-babies-and-toddlers

ENT UK: Decision making aid for parents re Grommets: https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/5/grommets_a_decisionmaking_aid_for_parents

ENT UK: Explainer leaflets, How to use ear drops or sprays: https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/74/how_to_use_ear_drops_or_sprays

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Clinical Paediatric Guideline (good algorithm, pictures of erythematous Tympanic Membranes versus Acute Otitis Media with bulging/effusion): https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/acute_otitis_media/

ENT Guidelines for Derbyshire (includes details of Topical Drops in specific cases: https://www.derbyshiremedicinesmanagement.nhs.uk/assets/Clinical_Guidelines/Formulary_by_BNF_chapter_prescribing_guidelines/BNF_chapter_12/Chapter_12_Ear_nose_and_oropharynx.pdf

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This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.

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