18. Sense Organs - Pathologies Flashcards
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): definition
Inflammation of the outer ear
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): epidemiology
5x more common in swimmers
Also prevalent in humid cultures, diabetes mellitus, HIV and people with narrow auditory canal
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): pathophysiology
Ear wax (cerumen) contains lysozymes and oil that create an acidic, lubricating coat This coat inhibits bacterial and fungal growth so insufficient wax can predispose to infection
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): aetiology
90% associated with bacterial infection
Remaining fungal or allergic
Excess wax (obstruction)
Water in the ear
Frequent use of earplugs/headphones/hearing aids
Acne, eczema, fungal infections following antibiotic use
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): signs and symptoms
Pain (especially with movement of pinna) Discharge - often purulent Swelling Itching Red, swollen auditory canal Hearing deficit
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): allopathic treatment
Hygiene
Avoid water in ears
Syringe ears with saline solution (by GP)
Topical antibiotics
Otitis Media: definition
Inflammation of the middle ear
Otitis Media: epidemiology
Most common cause of earache in children due to horizontal eustachian tube
75% <10 yrs old
Many have food or inhaled allergies
Otitis Media: pathophysiology
Fluid puts pressure on tympanic membrane
Otitis Media: aetiology
Infectious organisms - bacterial/viral
Allergies
Otitis Media: signs and symptoms
Earache/pain
Malaise, fever, nausea
Mild earing loss
Can get bulging of tympanic membrane
Otitis Media: complications
Scar tissue on eardrum (with rupture of tympanic membrane)
Otitis Media: allopathic treatment
Rupture of tympanic membrane
Antibiotics
Secretory Otitis Media: definition
Effusion of the middle ear resulting from incomplete resolution of acute otitis media
What is secretory otitis media also known as?
Glue ear
Secretory Otitis Media: pathophysiology
Gluey fluid dampens the tympanic membrane and ossicle vibrations which leads to hearing impairment
Secretory Otitis Media: signs and symptoms
Hearing loss
Pressure in ear
Mild intermittent ear pain
Secretory Otitis Media: allopathic treatment
Tympanostomy tube (grommet) inserted into eardrum to drain fluid Tonsils may be removed
Labyrinthitis (Otitis Interna): definition
Balance disorder associated with inflammation of the membranous labyrinth
Labyrinthitis (Otitis Interna): aetiology
Often follows upper respiratory infection
Following head injury, allergy or reaction to medication
Labyrinthitis (Otitis Interna): signs and symptoms
Sudden, severe vertigo
Sudden, unilateral hearing loss
Tinnitus
Nausea, vomiting
Labyrinthitis (Otitis Interna): allopathic treatment
Anti-emetic drugs (anti-sickness)
Meniere’s Disease: definition
Disorder of inner ear, caused by change in fluid volume in labyrinth
Meniere’s Disease: pathophysiology
Progressive distention of the membranous labyrinth
Meniere’s Disease: aetiology
Genetics
Viral
Autoimmune links - RA, SLE
Food allergy links
Meniere’s Disease: signs and symptoms
Vertigo Tinnitus Hearing loss Nausea, vomiting Ear pressure Characterised by fluctuating patterns of symptoms
Meniere’s Disease: allopathic treatment
No cure - only symptom minimisation
Tinnitus: definition
Perception of sound originating from within the head rather than outside
Tinnitus: aetiology
Objective - pulsatile (carotid stenosis, valve disease), muscular (spasm of tympanic muscles)
Subjective - ear origin (Meniere’s, ear infection, wax), neurological (head injury, MS, tumour), infections (meningitis), drug related (NSAIDs, loop diuretics), TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
Hearing Impairment: definition (conductive)
Ear canal obstructions, ossicle abnormalities, ruptured tympanic membrane
Hearing Impairment: definition (sensory)
Poor hair cell function due to congenital condition, infection or noise trauma
Mild hearing loss: definition
25-40dB
Moderate hearing loss: definition
41-70 dB
Severe hearing loss: definition
71-90 dB