Ear

Question 1

what do patients usually come to the pharmacy about regarding their ears

Answer 1

-earache and wax that causes discomfort and inflammation or pain in the outer ear. May also include reduced hearing

Question 2

whta are the symptoms in external ear problems

Answer 2

-itchiness
-pain
-discharge
-deafness

Question 3

what are the symptoms in the middle ear problems

Answer 3

-pain
-discharge
-deafness

Question 4

what are the synptoms in the inner ear

Answer 4

-deafness
-dizziness
-tinnitus (rinigng/buzzing sound)

Question 5

what is excess cerumen

Answer 5

-too much earwax secreted and produced
-can cause lack of hearing, discomfort

Question 6

OSCE style questions to ask for excess cerumen

Answer 6

-associated symptoms such as ringing (tinnitus, inner ear issue)
-trauma to the ear
-use of medicines

Question 7

when to refer for excess cerumen

Answer 7

-pain
-discharge (middle ear infection)
-failure of OTC treatment
-dizziness/tinnitus (inner ear)

Question 8

Treatment for excess cerumen

Answer 8

-cerumenolytics, softens the earwax. OTC. They are oils.
-check for allergies before recommending as a lot are oils, so check for nut allergies

-water based cerumenolytics. Increases water penetration to soften the wax e.g. waxsol

-peroxide based cerumenolytics e.g. otex and exterol