Ear Problems Flashcards
1
Q
What is Otitis Media
A
- throbbing ear pain
- Mucopurulent dischard (mucus liquid)
- pain in mastroid area (back of skull)
2
Q
What ages are otitis media common with and with what symptoms
A
- common in children
- usually seen with cold and flu symptoms
- self limiting (3 days)
3
Q
What is otitis externa
A
- skin inflammation of ear canal = pain
- itchy
4
Q
What can ear wax build up can cause
A
- temporary deafness
- ear discomfort
- blocked ear
5
Q
Referral for otitis media
A
- Pain does not resolve with analgesics
- Systemic symptoms
- No improvement >72 hours
- High risk of serious complication e.g. immunosuppression
- Mastoiditis present
- Children under 2 years with bilateral otitis media
6
Q
Referral for otitis externa
A
- Deafness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Vertigo
- Blocked ears
- Discharge (infected?)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding
- Children under 12 years
7
Q
Referral for ear wax build up
A
- Usual discharge from ear canal
- Persistent pain within the ear
- Tinnitus
- OTC failure -can refer for syringing
8
Q
Otitis media OTC treatment
A
- simple analgesia (self limiting)
9
Q
Otitis externa OTC treatment
A
- EarCalm spray (12+)
- treats mild superficial infections
- refer if treatment failure in 2 days
10
Q
Ear wax build up OTC treatment
A
Cerumolytics (liquid solutions to soften ear wax)
11
Q
What are the 4 types of Cerumolytics
A
- Water-based ear drops
- Oil-based ear drops
- Peroxide ear drops
- Surfactant ear drops
12
Q
Example of water- based ear drops
A
- Sodium bicarbonate
(Care)
13
Q
Example of Oil-based ear drops
A
- Olive Oil
(Earol) - Arachis Oil
(Cerumol)
14
Q
Example of Peroxide ear drops
A
- Hydroxide Peroxide
(Otex)
15
Q
Example of Surfactant ear drops
A
- Docusate
(Waxol)
