ENT Flashcards
What are the otic conditions that can be self treated and those that requires a referral?
Self treated:- cerumen impaction- water-clogged earsReferral:- otitis externa (swimmers ear)- ear pain (otalgia)- objects in the ear- perforated eardrum-ear drainage- tinnitus- hearing loss
What is cerumen and its characteristics?
Mixture of secretions from the ceruminous gland (modified apocrine sweat glands) and sebaceous glands combined with the desquamated sheets of the stratum corneum and hairCharacteristics:- Present in a varied color and consistency- Possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties- Water repellant nature serves as an oily, mechanical barrier- Sticky nature serves to protect the tympanic membrane- Lubricating property prevents pruritis to the external ear canal- Self cleaning mechanism known as ceruminokinesis
Definition of cerumen impaction
An accumulation of cerumen that causes symptoms or prevents a needed assessment of the ear canal, tympanic membrane, or audiovestibular system or both.
Epidemiology of cerumen impaction
- ~10% of children* ~5% of healthy adults* Up to 57% of older persons in nursing home* ~30% of cognitively impaired patients
Etiology of cerumen impaction
- Genetic factors eg stenotic canals, more hair- Elderly- Conditions that causes increased scaling in the ear canal- Mechanical blockage- Inadequate body hygiene
Clinical Presentation of cerumen impaction
- Feeling of pressure or fullness- Ear discomfort- May cause vertigo, tinnitis, puritis- May cause a chronic cough- Can result in gradual hearing loss- Pain is not normally present and impaction may be unilateral or bilateral
When to refer for cerumen impaction?
- Signs of infection- Pain associated with ear discharge- Recent ear surgery in prior 6 weeks- Bleeding or signs of trauma- Presence of ruptured tympanic membrane or tympanostomy tubes- Incapable of following proper instructions for use of otic drops- Hypersensitivity to recommended agents- No improvement after 4 days of self care
What to take note of for assessing cerumen impaction
Assess for signs and symptoms- Course of symptoms- Any associated symptomsGather medical and medication history - History of surgery and medical conditions- Prescription and OTC products usedAny situation for urgent referral?- History of trauma
What should not be used for cerumen impaction?
Q tips, metal ear picks, ear candle
Treatment types of cerumen impaction
Pharmacologicals/Cerumenolytic Agents (water based, oil based, non water or oil based) , irrigation, manual removal (by specialist)
What are the water based cerumenolytic agents available? (explain MOA + SE)
Docusate sodium (GSL)- MOA: Mild emulsifier which penetrates and helps disperse ear wax- SE: Allergic reaction such redness of the skin area and/or a rash.Hydrogen peroxide 3% (not available in community pharmacy)- MOA: Releases nascent oxygen when exposed to moisture, hence mechanically loosens debris and helps to remove ear wax- Precaution: Avoid over use (causes tissue maceration -> infection)
What are the oil based cerumenolytic agents available? (explain MOA + SE)
Almond oil, arachis/peanut oil, mineral oil - MOA: Lubricate and soft cerumen to facilitate movement out of ear but does not disintegrate cerumen- Precaution: Avoid arachis oil containing preparations for patients w peanut allergy
What are the non water or oil based cerumenolytic agents available? (explain MOA + SE)
Carbamide peroxide (Urea-hydrogen peroxide) (GSL):- Approved by FDA- MOA: Reacts with catalase in tissue→ release of oxygen. Weak antibacterial effect- SE: May cause bubbling or cracklingsound in the earGlycerin (GSL):- MOA: Emollient property and acts as a humectant
Available ear cleaning products
Isotonic seawater (Audiclean/Audisol) (GSL)
How to administer ear drops?
- Wash hands with soap and warm water; then dry them the thoroughly.2. Carefully wash and dry the outside of the ear with a damp washcloth, taking care not to get water in the ear canal.3. Warm eardrops to body temperature by holding the container in the palm for a few minutes.4. Tilt head to the side opposite the affected ear. Pull the ear backward and upward to open the ear canal. For children <3 years old , pull the ear backward and downward.5. Open the container carefully. Position the dropper tip near, but not inside, the ear canal opening. Do not allow the dropper to touch the ear. 6. Place the proper dose or number of drops into ear canal. Replace the cap on the container. 7. Keep the head in the same position for a few minutes after instillation. 8. Regain normal position, gently wipe excess medication off the outside of the ear using a clean tissue. Do not clean inside of ear canal!9. Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Monitoring and Patient education for cerumen impaction
Evaluate response in 2days. Refer if no resolution after 4days or for patients experiencing symptoms after impaction removal.Do not overclean ears or use Qtips/ear candles
What is water clogged ears?
- It is the retention of water in the external ear canal, thereby causing discomfort and a sensation of fullness,accompanied by gradual hearing loss.- Trapped moisture can compromise the natural defenses of the external auditory canal, causing tissue maceration and making the person more susceptible to infection- Common in people with high water exposure such as swimmers and divers
When to refer for water clogged ears?
- Signs of infection- Pain associated with ear discharge- Recent ear surgery in prior 6 weeks- Bleeding or signs of trauma- Presence of ruptured tympanic membrane or tympanostomy tubes- Incapable of following proper instructions for use of otic drops- Hypersensitivity to recommended agents- No improvement after 4 days of self care
What to asses for in water clogged ears?
Assess for signs and symptoms- Course of symptoms- Any associated symptomsGather medical and medication history - History of surgery and medical conditions- Prescription and OTC products usedAny situation for urgent referral?- History of trauma
Pharmacological treatment for water clogged ears
Instilling ear drops containing isopropyl alcohol (95%) and glycerin (Audisol- GSL)
Non-pharmacological treatment for water clogged ears
- Reducing water exposure: Wearing shower/swimming capor ear plug while bathing or swimming- Tilt affected ear downwards and gently shaking excess water from the ears
What is otitis externa and its causes?
- Also known as “Swimmer’s ear”- It is a diffuse inflammation of the external ear canal secondary to infection.- Usually seen in warm climates, areas with increased humility and in patients with increased water exposureCauses:- Excessive moisture causes maceration of the skin and cerumen breakdown - Change in pH of the local ear environment leading to overgrowth of pathogenic organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa- Regular, aggressive cleaning of the ear causes local trauma - Allow entry of organisms into the ear- Use of devices that occlude the ear canal eg hearing aids- Chronic dermatologic disease eg eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis
Clinical Manifestation of Otitis Externa
- Itching, irritation, erythema* Acute pain* Drainage of foul smelling watery discharge* Fullness with or without jaw pain* Impaired hearing due to occlusion of external auditory canal
Treatment of Otitis Externa and patient education
Treatment:- Topical antimicrobials with acidifying agent (Prescription only)- Topical antimicrobials with or without steroids (Prescription only)- Need referral to physician- Painkillers (Paracetamol, NSAIDs)Patient Education:- Counsel on proper use of eardrops- Caution patient not to manipulate or insert anything into the ear- Avoid water activities for 7-10 days while undergoing treatment- Earplugs can be used during showering, bathing or hair washing- Symptoms shld improve within 2-3days but may take 2wks to resolve
What is Tinnitus?
- It is the perception of sound in proximity to the head in the absence of an external source* It can be perceived as being within one or both ears, within or around the head, or as an outside distant noise (usually “ringing” sound)* Not a disease but a condition that can result from a wide range of underlying causes
Common causes of tinnitus
cerumen impaction, ototoxic medications (eg. aminoglycoside, immunosuppressants, antivirals for hep c treatment)
Clinical Manifestation of Acute Otitis Media
- Ear popping and ear fullness* Ear pulling/tugging* Ear pain* Drainage of mucopurulent discharge (if tympanic membrane is ruptured)* Hearing loss* Dizziness, anorexia, irritatability* Systemic symptoms eg fever* Bulging tympanic membrane
Difference btw otitis externa and otitis media
OE:- caused by trauma/water- itchy- pain on movement of tragus- ear canal narrow- ear drum is normal or red- discharge is present (thin)- no feverOM:- caused by preceding URTI- no itch- no pain on movement of tragus- normal ear canal- eardrum is red, bulging or perforated- discharge is mucoid (only if perforated)- fever is present
Common respiratory conditions seen in community pharmacy
cough, viral sore throat, cold
Define cough
- A forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, either voluntary or involuntary, to aid in clearing of irritants, secretions or foreign particles* It is one of the most common symptoms for patients to seek medical care particular in young children* Acute (< 3wks), subacute (3-8wks) or chronic (>8wks)
Pathophysiology of cough
Stimulation of receptors in pharynx, larynx, trachea and bifurcation of the large bronchi –> Signal relayed to the cough centre in the medulla –> Activation of the muscle in the diaphragm, chest wall and abdomen –> Contraction of muscles with sudden opening of the glottis with rapid expulsion of air
Etiology of cough
Acute:* Viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)* Acute bronchitis* Exacerbation of underlying diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF)* Pneumonia* Foreign body aspirationSubacute:* Post infectious cough* Exacerbation of underlying diseases (asthma)Chronic:* Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) (Post nasal drip)* Asthma* COPD (Chronic bronchitis)* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)* Angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors (ACEIs)* Intrapulmonary malignancies* Tuberculosis
Clinical Presentation of Cough
Productive:* “Wet” or chesty* Caused by infection, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, irritants* Helps to expel secretions from the lower respiratory tract* Can be clear, purulent, malodourousNon-productive (no sputum)* Dry, tight, trickly* Caused by viral infection, GERD, cardiac disease and medications* No useful physiological purpose
When to refer for cough?
- Concurrent cardiopulmonary chronic diseases (eg asthma, COPD, congestive heart failure) or GERD* Shortness of breath* Chest pain* Hemoptysis* Unintentional weight loss* Drenching night sweats* Cough with thick yellow or green sputum or pus like secretions* Fever > 37.5 degree celsius** Cough > 7 days* Suspected drug induced cough (eg ACEI)* Inhalation of foreign particles* Cough that worsen during self-treatment or develop newsymptoms* Barking cough (croup) in children
What to assess for when patient presents with cough?
- Assess for signs and symptoms: - Course of symptoms eg onset, duration, periodicity- Characteristics of the cough eg sputum colour, nature of sputum- Any associated symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, SOB, dyspnea, hemoptysis, unintentional weight loss, chest pain2. Gather age of patient, medical, medication and social history- History of medical conditions and social history such as smoking, allergen, irritant exposure- Prescription and OTC products used (To rule out drug-related causes of cough)3. Any situations requiring urgent referral?- Drenching night sweats- Shortness of breath- Chest pain- Hemoptysis- Unintentional weight loss- Inhalation of foreign particles- Fever
Conditions to eliminate if patient presents with cough
- Upper airway cough syndrome (post nasal drip)2. Acute bronchitis3. Croup4. Chronic bronchitis5. Asthma6. Community acquired pneumonia7. Drug-induced cough8. Other less likely causes such as heart failure, tuberculosis, lung tumor, GERD
Non pharmacologic tx for cough
- Humidification- Hydration with oral liquid- Avoidance of irritants eg smoke, dust, pollutants- Honey
Pharmacologic Tx groups for cough
Cough suppressants (Antitussives) for nonproductive cough.Expectorants and Mucolytics for productive cough
Examples of cough suppressants for non productive cough
Centrally acting (1st line):- Codeine- Dextromethorphan- PholcodineH1 Antihistamine (1st Generation): - Diphenhydramine
Explain the MOA of codeine + dosing + onset of action
- Pro-drug of morphine, metabolised by CYP2D6- MOA: Suppress cough reflex by direct central action- Dosing: Adult and children >12 yo: 10-20mg q4-6 hr Max: 120mg daily. Children <12 yo: Not recommended for use- Onset: 30-60 mins via oral route
HSA drug safety advisory for codeine
Deaths and respiratory depression in children aged 2-5y/o following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. 2013, EMA: Use of codeine for postoperative pain management in children and adolescents <18y/o is contraindicated due to increased risk of respiratory depression. 2015, EMA: Use of codeine containing products for relief of cough and cold in children is contraindicated in children <12y/o. HSA: for treatment of unproductive cough and acute moderate pain not relieved by analgesics, codeine remains indicated for those >=12y/o. Lowest dose + lowest duration.
Codeine (SEs, precautions, contraindications)
- SEs: Drowsiness, sedation, N/V, constipation, urinary retention, respiratory depression* Precautions:- CNS depressants eg alcohol, sedatives - Serotonin modulator eg citalopram, fluoxetine- Concurrent use with CYP2D6 inhibitors eg diphenhydramine (inhibit conversion to active metabolite)- Elderly* Contraindications:- Concurrent or within 2 weeks of MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) eg seligiline, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, consumption
Examples of Codeine containing cough suppressants
P-only item:- Dhasedyl: Codeine Phosphate 9mg, Promethazine HCL 3.6mg per 5mL- Procodin: Codeine Phosphate 9mg, Ephedrine HCL 6mg, Promethazine HCL 3.6mg per 5mL- Cophadyl: Codeine Phosphate 9mg, Promethazine HCL 3.6mg per 5mL
Regulations on codeine containing cough preparations - Health Product Regulation 2016
- Limited to 240mL (ie two 120mL bottles) per customer* Must not supply to the same individual more than once within a period of 4 days* Number of purchases per day must be recorded* No public display of products* Compulsory patient counselling by pharmacist
Dextromethorphan (MOA, Dosing)
- Non-opioid with no analgesic, sedative, respiratorydepressant or addictive property at usual doses* MOA: Act centrally in the medulla to increase the cough threshold* Dosing:- Adult, adolescent and children >12 yo: 10-20mg q4 hr or 20-30mg q6-8 hr. Max: 120mg daily- Children (6-<12 yo): 10mg q4 hr: Max 60mg daily- Children (2-<6 yo): 5mg q4 hr Max: 30mg daily
Dextromethorphan (Onset of action, SEs, Precautions, CIs)
- Onset:- 15-30 mins via oral route * SEs:- Drowsiness, sedation, N/V, stomach discomfort, constipation* Precautions:- CNS depressants eg alcohol, anxiolytic, hypnotics and antidepressants- Increase risk of serotonin syndrome with concomitant proserotonergic drugs eg citalopram, fluoxetine- Concurrent use of potent CYP2D6 inhibitors eg fluoxetine, paroxetine* Contraindications:- Concurrent or within 2 weeks of MAOIs consumption
Examples of dextromethorphan containing cough suppressants
P-only items:- Tussidex Forte: Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg per 5mL- Tussils 5: Dextromethorphan HBr 5mg per lozenge- Sedilix DM: Dextromethorphan HBr 15 mg, Promethazine HCL 3.125mg, Pseudoepherine HCL 30mg per 5mL
Pholcodine (MOA, Dosing)
- Derivative of codeine* Mild sedative effect, little or no analgesic or euphoric effect* MOA: Suppress cough reflex by direct central action* Dosing:- Adult, adolescents and children > 12 yo: 5-15mg q6-8 hr. Max: 60 mg daily- Children (6-12 yo): 5-7.5mg q8-12 hr. Max 40 mg daily
Pholcodine (SEs, precautions, CIs)
SEs:- N/V, gastric disturbances, dizziness, constipationPrecautions:- CNS depressants eg alcohol, sedatives Contraindications:- Concurrent or within 2 weeks of stopping MAOIs
Examples of pholcodine containing cough suppressants
P-only item:* Durotuss Regular: Pholcodine 5mg per 5mL* Durotuss Forte: Pholcodine 15mg per 5mL* Durotuss Dry cough lozenges: Pholcodine 5.5mg, Cetylpyridinium Chloride 1.33mg per lozenge
Diphenhydramine (MOA, Dosing)
- First generation H1 receptor antagonist with significant sedating and anticholinergic properties* MOA: Act centrally in the medulla to increase the cough threshold* Dosing:- Adult, adolescents and children > 12 yo: 25-50mg q4-6 hr. Max: 300mg daily- Children (6-<12yo): 12.5-25mg q4-6 hr. Max: 150mg daily
Diphenhydramine (Onset, SEs, Precautions)
Onset:- 15 mins via oral routeSEs:- Drowsiness, nausea, constipation, urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred visionPrecautions:- CNS depressants eg alcohol, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, antidepressants- Use with caution or avoid concurrent administration with anticholinergic agents and sedatives- Use with caution in patients with closed angle glaucoma, elevated ocular pressure, stenosing peptic ulcer, prostate hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction, hyperthyroidism, hypertension and heart disease- Elderly
Examples of diphenhydramine containing cough suppressants
P-only item:- Benocten Tablet: Diphenhydramine HCl 50mg per tablet- Diphen 10: Diphenhydramine HCl 10mg, ammonium chloride 125mg per 5ml
HSA advisory of cough and cold medicine in children
<2y/o: use of antihistamines, cough suppressants, cold and flu prdts generally not recommended (weight R vs B)
Other products for cough
GSL:- Menthol lozenges (Vapo drops)- Camphor, Menthol & Eucalyptus Oil (Mentholatum)
Guaifenesin (MOA, Dosing, Onset, SE)
- Natural product derived from the guaiac tree* MOA: Stimulate secretion of respiratory tract fluid, increasing sputum volume and decreasing viscosity –> assisting in the removal of sputum* Dosing:- Adult, adolescent and children > 12 yo: 200-400mg q4 hr Max: 2400mg daily- Children (4-<12 yo): 100-200mg q4 hr Max: 1200mg daily- Children (2-<4 yo): 50-100mg q4 hr. Max: 600mg daily* Onset: 30 mins* SEs: N/V, diarrhea, stomachache, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, rash
Examples of Guaifenesin containing expectorant
GSL:- Breacol Cough Syrup: Guaifenesin 100mg, per 5mL- Cofen 50 Cough Syrup: Guaifenesin 100mg, per 5mL- Mucinex tablet: Guaifenesin 600mg per tablet- Robitussin EX Syrup: Guaifenesin 100mg per 5mL