Ear, nose & Oropharynx Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is Otitis externa and what are the treatments for it?
it is inflammatory reaction of the outer ear.
● Acetic acid (EarCalm) is used for mild symptoms and simple analgesia e.g. paracetamol used for pain.
● If no improvement with simple analgesia and acetic acid, then refer to GP
for antibiotic ear treatment (Otomize) neomycin & dexamethasone (POM)
What are some acute symptoms for Otitis Media?
- Ear pain (inside)
- Fever
- Irritability
- Cough
- Rhinorrhoea (runny nose)
More common in children
Treatment for Otitis Media?
Self-limiting and usually resolves within 3-7 days
● Can be viral or bacterial - if it gets better will mean anti-viral.
● Antibiotics to be given if no improvement
What can be used to remove ear wax? What are side effects of them?
● Olive/almond oil ear drops
● Sodium bicarbonate drops
- Can cause dryness in the ear and cause irritation
Explain Rhinitis?
Reactions in the nose that can be allergic or non-allergic.
Allergens can be trees, grass pollen, or seasonal, or all year around.
What are the symptoms of Rhinitis?
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Itchy, red and watery eyes
- A cough
What are the treatments for Rhinitis?
Often self-limiting
But management means:
- Saline nasal drops/spray for nasal congestion
- Warm moist air, menthol or eucalyptus oils good for inhalation
- Antihistamines/topical nasal corticosteroids for mild allergic rhinitis
When are nasal corticosteroids used?
Used for nasal polyps (soft painless growth inside of nose)
When should nasal corticosteroids not be used?
In UNTREATED nose infections
Which Nasal Decongestant is preffered?
Ephedrine.
It is preferred above oxymetazoline
How long is treatment for Nasal decongestants?
7 days max!
What can happen in the over usage of nasal decongestants?
Rebound congestion can occur
What is the age restriction for Nasal decongestants?
Avoid in children under 6 years
What is the sale restriction for nasal decongestants?
MAX one pack to be sold at a time!
What is used to treat Vasomotor symptoms and what are the symptoms?
Ipratropium
Symptoms include:
● Chronic (long term)
● Sneezing, watery discharge (from nose)
● Stuffy nose
How is Vasomotor symptoms different from allergic rhinitis?
It doesn’t include watery/itchy eyes or a scratchy throat.
Which medications cause a dry mouth?
ASDAT
● Antimuscarinics (e.g. hyoscine and oxybutynin)
● Salivary glands complications (infection, obstruction, cancer)
● Diuretics
● Antipsychotics (the newer ones e.g. Quetiapine)
● TCA (tricyclic antidepressants)
What can a dry mouth lead to?
● Increased dental caries (tooth decay)
● Periodontal disease (infection of gums)
● Dentures become hard to use
● Oral infections (e.g. candidiasis)
What is used for the treatment of dry mouth?
● Frequent sips of a cool drink.
● Artificial saliva - contains electrolytes.
● ACBS, bioxtra, glandosane, saliva orphans and saliveze
What preps can be used for the treatment of dry mouth?
● Lozenges and sprays - no evidence
● Mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes
● Warm saline mouthwashes - may ease pain
● Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash (Peroxyl) - ulcerative gingivitis
● Fluoride toothpaste prevents dental caries (tooth decay)
What is Chlorhexidine used for?
- Stops plaque formation & prevents candidiasis.
- Treats mucosal ulceration
(ulceration in mouth) - Controls gum disease.
What is the main side effect for chlorhexidine?
Reversible brown staining of teeth and tongue with prolonged use
What can be given to treat oral ulceration & inflammation?
- Benzydamine hydrochloride
- (dilute mouthwashes with equal volume of water if causes stinging)
- Flurbiprofen lozenges - Strefen honey and lemon - for sore throat
- Choline salicylate gel
POM - Doxycycline
