HEENT Flashcards
Tension Headaches
-most common form
-can be induced by stress, anxiety, awkward head/neck movements
-dull, headband pain, constant
Migraine Headaches
-2nd most common form
-one sided pulsing/throbbing pain
-nausea and vomiting
-photo or phonophobia
Cluster Headaches
-most severe, least common
-more common in men
-shorter in duration per episode
-could be caused by hypoxia, and abnormal serotonin/histamine release
-one side centered behind an eye, SEVERE debilitating, constant pain
-Nausea/vomiting
-photo/phonophobia
-runny nose/eyelid swelling
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
-green/yellow discharge often worse in the morning
-can start in one eye and spread to the other
-red/pink eyes
-eye pain/blurred vision
-treatment: refer, handwashing
Viral Conjunctivitis
-clear/watery discharge
-red/pink eyes
-eye pain
-treatment: OTC eye lubrincants, antihistamines, cold compress, handwashing
Allergic Conjunctivitis
-eye itching, discomfort
-clear watery discharge
-pink/red eyes
-sneezing/runny nose
treatment: allergen avoidance, eyedrop antihistamines, vasoconstrictors
Irritant Conjunctivitis
-foreign body in the eyes (chemicals, smoke, objects, chlorine)
-Treatment: remove objects, eye flush with clean water, avoid further irritation
Blepharitis
-inflammation of the edge of the eyelid (may be swollen, itchy, inflamed)
-can be caused by allergies or bacterial
-Treatment: Warm compress, artificial tears, eyelid cleansing/cleaning, can lead to formation of sty
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
-inflammation or infection of the external ear canal
-sweat, water, cotton swabs, chronic earpiece wearing
-ear pain, swelling, with discharge, fever, hearing impairment
-Treatment: eardrops, antiseptic drops, oral analgesics
Otitis Media
-Inflammation of the middle ear
-usually occur in young children (common ear infection)
-bacterial/viral
-ear pain (child tugging at ear, cranky, feeling bad)
-decreased hearing, fever
-Treatment: oral antibiotics after 48h, antipyretics, analgesics, most cases resolve on their own
Water clogged ear
-swimming or bathing
-treatment: ear drying agents, Isopropyl alcohol, Ear plugs while in water
Cerumen Impaction
-Narrow ear canals, infrequent cleaning, using cotton swabs
-Treatment: Debrox, acetic acid, saline, hydrogen peroxide
Ototoxicity
-damage to hearing/function of ear
-medication-induced/chemicals
-hearing loss, ringing in ears, dizziness
medications that cause: aspirin, loop diuretics, aminoglycosides, chemotherapeutics, antimalarials
Allergic Rhinitis
-inflammation of nasal mucus membranes due to an irritant that activates the immune system
-allergens: pollen, pet dander, dust mites, weeds, molds
-symptoms: watery eyes, clear runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, ears, or nose
-treatment: avoid allergen, saline rinses, nasal strips, nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, montelukast
Sinusitis
-inflammation/infection of the sinuses
-viral or bacterial
-viral lasts less than a week
-bacterial longer than a week, gets worse longer, nasal discharge
-headache, facial pain/pressure, fever
-Treatment: antibiotics, analgesics, oral/nasal decongestants
