Ear and nose Flashcards
What is otitis externa
An outer ear infection, common in swimmers caused by bacteria, fungi or yeast infection
Symptoms of otitis externa
Inflammation of the ear canal
Itching
Discharge
Pain
Partial hearing loss
Ear feels blocked or full
Treatment for otitis externa
EarCalm (2% acetic acid)
Analgesia
Antibiotic/steroid eardrops (prescription only)
What is otitis media
Middle ear infection caused by a build up of fluid that gets infected in the middle ear after a cold, sore throat or respiratory infection
Symptoms of otitis media
Hearing loss
Ear pain
Fever
Discharge
Swelling in the nose, throat and ear
Treatment for otitis media
Can clear on its own in 4-7 days
When to refer for otitis media
Discharge from the ear
Patient is very unwell
No improvement in 3 days and worsening symptoms
Risk of complications
Causes of tinnitus
Age-related hearing loss
Ear infection
Loud noise
Meniere’s disease
Affects of tinnitus on patients
Stress
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Isolation
Suicide
Managing tinnitus
CBT
Relaxation techniques
Tinnitus re-training therapy
Hearing aids
Masking devices
Treatment for vertigo
Prochlorperazine
Promethazine
Cinnarizine
Cyclizine
Causes of sinusitis
URTI spreads into the sinuses and can develop from a cold but it can progress to a bacterial infection
Symptoms of sinusitis
- Lasts 2-3 weeks
- Pain and tenderness of sinuses
- Throbbing pain which gets worse when bending forwards
- Blocked nose, loss of sense of smell
- Yellow/green mucous from nose
*Fever
Treatment for sinusitis
- paracetamol, ibuprofen
- Saline nasal spray/drops
- Xylometazoline: a decongestant nasal spray (max. seven days due to risk of rebound congestion)
- Pseudoephedrine: decongestant tablets – caution in
hypertension, glaucoma); risk of abuse for
methamphetamine
When to refer patients with sinusitis
Patient is systemically unwell or has severe symptoms
Risk of complications
No improvement or worsening after 10 days
Pus-containing nasal discharge
