Disease-specific quality of life in children with suppurative otitis media, including children with Down Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (360G-Wellcome-207167_Z_17_Z)

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear which may accompany an upper respiratory tract infection. AOM can occur at any age, however, it is most common between 3 months and 3 years old. At this age, the Eustachian tube is structurally and functionally immature. Diagnosis of AOM is made by clinical and physical examination with an otoscope. Otoscopic examination can show a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane with indistinct landmarks and displacement of the light reflex. The treatment for AOM are analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and many cases resolve spontaneously. Antibiotics are frequently given. Antibiotics relieve symptoms quicker and may reduce the chance of residual hearing loss and labyrinthine or intracranial sequelae. With the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms, it is recommended that a round of antibiotics be administered only for children at highest risk or for those with recurrent acute otitis media(RAOM). RAOM is defined as four or more episodes of AOM in a 6 month period. The aim of this project is to investigate the impact on the quality of life of children that present with recurrent acute otitis media(RAOM).