OTC Flashcards
(52 cards)
How are ulcers classified ?
As aphthous (minor or major ) or herpetiform ulcers.
What you need to know when diagnosing ulcers ?
- age
- child or adult
- nature of the ulcers
- size, appearance, location and number
- duration
- previous history
- other symtpoms
- medication
Minor aphthous ulcers are common in which patient group ?
more common in women and occur most often between the ages of 10 to 40 years
How long minor aphthous ulcers last ?
5 to 14 days
In which patient group major aphthous ulcers are more common?
in those who have ulcerative colitis, diameter may be up to 30mm can occur in crops of 10
when would mouth ulcers should referred ?
if persist for more than three weeks, if there is no pain
What drugs may cause mouth ulcers?
Nsaids, aspirin, nicorandil, sufasalazine, BB, cytotoxic drugs -refer
What is treatment timescale for mouth ulcers ?
if there is no improvement after one week see GP
How chlorhexidine (antiseptic) is useful in treating mouth ulcers?
help prevent secondary bacterial infection, there is some evidence that it reduces duration and severity of ulceration
What advice patients should be given when recommending chlorhexidine for mouth ulcers?
regular use can stain teeth brown, effect not usually permanent.
Advice patient to brush teeth before using the mouthwash to reduce risk of staining.
The mouthwash should be used twice a day, risking 10 ml in the mouth for one minute and continued 48 hours after symptoms have gone.
what topical corticosteroids are available for mouth ulcers?
hydrocortisone muco-adhesive 2.5 mg tablet for adults and children over 12.
How are hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets are used ?
a tablet is held in close proximity to the ulcer until its dissolved. ONE tablets QDS.
Tablet should not be sucked, but dissolved in contact with ulcer
What are local analgesic available for ulcers that are very painful ?
benzydamine mouthwash or spray and choline salicylate dental gel are short acting but can be useful.
How is benzydamine mouthwash used in ulcers and for what age group ?
over 12
Mouthwash is used by rinsing 15 ml in the mouth TDS
How is benzydamine spray used in mouth ulcers?
four sprays onto affected area TDS
In which age group choline salicylate gel is contraindicated and why ?
Under 16, can cause Reyes syndrome
What is age group for dioralyte relief/dioralyte sachets ?
> 3 months
Boots dehydration sachets suitable for what age group ?
1 year and over
What treatment can be offered for prickly heat ?
calamine lotion
Patient who has to be referred for cystitis ?
- under 16
- recurrent cystitis ( three episodes within one year or two episodes within 6 months )
- pain low down and duration of more than 7 days
- blood in urine
- flank pain
- vaginal discharge
- women over 70
- immunocompromised
Alkalasinig agents such as sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate should be avoided when ?
- sodium bicarbonate/citrate= avoid in hypertension
- potassium citrate= avoid with potassium sparing diuretics, ACE
what is perennial allergic rhinitis ?
symptoms present all year round
What do you need to know when patient present with hayfever symptoms ?
age duration,symtpoms runny nose nasal congestiom nasal itching watery eyes irritated eyes discharge from the eyes sneezing previous history associated conditions: eczema, asthma medication
when to refer hayfever?
- diagnosis unclear
- wheezing and SOB
- tightness of chest
- painful ear
- painful sinuses
- purulent conjuctivitis
- severe symptoms only partially relieved by OTC
- failed medication
- symptoms after OTC do not improve within 7 days
