Eyes, Ears and Oral health

Question 1

How do key symptoms between allergic, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis differ?

Answer 1

Allergic: both eyes are affected at the same time with watery discharge, itchy.

Bacterial: one infected and then the other, with discharge, itchy/gritty.

Viral: both eyes are affected at the same time with watery discharge, itchy/ gritty.

Question 2

How long does each type of conjunctivitis last?

Answer 2

Allergic: symptoms can last up to a few weeks depending on the time of year

Bacterial: up to 10 days without treatment, 2-3 days with treatment

Viral: around 2 weeks

Question 3

What are some of the symptoms of a subconjunctival haemorrhage?

Answer 3

Red patch that suddenly appears on the white of the eye on the surface
Usually painless
Does not affect vision

Question 4

How long does subconjunctival haemorrhage last?

Answer 4

Up to 10 days

Question 5

What is Blepharitis?

Answer 5

Inflammation of the eyelids

Question 6

What are some of the symptoms of Blepharitis?

Answer 6

Burning and irritation at the lid margins, heightened in the evenings
Lids may become stuck together with debris

Question 7

What treatment options are available for blepharitis?

Answer 7

Can buy specific eyelid wipes containing Sulfacetamide sodium and prednisolone acetate or mix baby shampoo and warm water in addition to a warm compress.

Question 8

What are some of the alarm symptoms of blepharitis?

Answer 8

Pain in the eye, not just discomfort from the gritty/ itchy sensation
Disturbance to vision
Redness located just in one area of the eye
Pupils are an abnormal shape
Recurrent subconjuctival haemorrage
Headache, nausea
Sensitivity to light

Question 9

When is chloramphenicol used?

Answer 9

Bacterial eye infections

Question 10

What active ingredients are used for dry eyes?

Answer 10

Hypromellose and Carmellose

Question 11

What is used for itchy eyes?

Answer 11

Glycerin and Sodium chromoglicate

Question 12

What OTC treatments are available to soften ear wax?

Answer 12

Almond oil, Archais oil, Hydrogen peroxide, Sodium bicarbonate

Question 13

What is otitis externa? And its symptom?

Answer 13

Inflammation of the outer ear canal, causing pain and discharge.

Question 14

What OTC treatment is available for otitis externa?

Answer 14

Aluminium acetate

Question 15

What are some of the symptoms of otitis media?

Answer 15

Pain and temporary deafness, the ear drums may release discharge.

Question 16

When are antibiotics required?

Answer 16

Cases of otitis media

Question 17

What are some of the symptoms of glue ear?

Answer 17

Pain radiating to the jaw, discomfort and sticky

Question 18

What are some of the causes of mouth ulcers?

Answer 18

Stress, denatures, poor oral hygiene and dehydration

Question 19

What are OTC treatments for mouth ulcers?

Answer 19

Benzydamine, pastilles or throat lozenges

Question 20

What are symptoms of Oropharyngeal candidiasis?

Answer 20

Also known as oral thrush the main symptoms include:
White creamy bumps on the inside of the mouth, tongue and cheeks.
Cracks at the side of the mouth
Unpleasant taste inside of the mouth
Sore gum or tongue

Question 21

What are the causes of oral thrush?

Answer 21

Poor oral hygiene 
Yeast infections 
Low immune system 
Over grown of calbicans in mouth
Poor use of steriod inhalers

Question 22

What treatment options are available for oral thrush?

Answer 22

Miconazole (Daktarin) oral gel
Fluconazole antifungal medication.
Clotrimazole Nystatin, Itraconazole Amphotericin B
(Prescription only medication).

Question 23

When should you refer to a Pharmacist with a oral health condition?

Answer 23

If they are diabetic
Young child 
Pregnant or breast feeding 
Neck stiffness 
Any injury
Taking other medication 
Discharge 
Feeling tired