Nose, Mouth and Throat Flashcards
What is rhinorrhea?
Nasal discharge
When does rhinorrhea occur?
Cold, allergies, sinus infections and trauma
Why would we ask if a patient has unusually frequent or severe colds?
Because most people have occasional colds, so asking this gives us more meaningful information
Why would we ask if there has ever been any trauma to nose?
Can cause deviated septum which can cause nare obstruction
What is epistaxis?
Nose bleeding
What is the proper way to deal with a nosebleed
Sit up, tilt head forward and pinch nose for 5-15 minutes
What is allergic rhinitis is seasonal if ______ and perennial if allergen is ______
- caused by pollen
- dust
Why do we ask if patient uses inhalers, nasal sprays or nose drops?
Misuse of over-the-counter nasal meds can irritate mucosa, which causes rebound swelling
Why would we ask if patient experiences sense of smell change?
Can be diminished with cigarette smoking or chronic allergies
Why do we ask for patient history when asking about mouth and throat?
To determine whether oral lesions have infectious, traumatic, immunological or malignant causes
What is periodontal disease associated with?
Cardiovascular, diabetes, pulmonary infections, osteoporosis and low birth rate
Why do be ask “do you usually get a throat culture for sore throats? Were any documented as strep throat”
Untreated streptococcal infections may lead to rheumatic fever
What can bleeding gums mean?
- If patient just began flossing, it is normal
- If more frequent bleeding from brushing/flossing, may indicate periodontal disease or a clotting disorder
What can the feeling of a ‘lump in your throat’ mean
Hoarseness: a disorder of the larynx
What can cause hoarseness?
- Overuse of the voice
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Chronic Inflammation
- Lesions
- Neoplasm
What is oropharyngeal dysphagia?
- difficulty in safe transfer of liquid or food bolus from mouth to esophagus
What is esophageal dysphagia?
difficulty passing food down the esophagus to the stomach
What are some other causes of dysphagia?
- head and neck cancer
- esophageal cancer
- Head trauma
- Decreased alertness
- Progressive neurological disease
Dysphagia is present in at least half of individuals with____
Acute stroke
If dysphagia is not treated, what can it cause
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Reduced quality of life
What can be done for those who suffer from dysphagia?
- Language pathology who can suggest dietary modification, good oral care, rest at least 30 minutes after meal in upright position
What is odynophagia? What can it mean?
- a burning or sharp pain when swallowing: mucosal inflammation
- cramping squeezing pain: muscular cause
Why do we ask about alcohol/ smoking consumption in relation to mouth and throat
- Chronic tobacco use: tooth loss, coronal and root caries and peridontal disease in older adults
Chronic tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption can increase what type of cancer in regards to mouth/throat
Oral and pharyngeal cancer
How often should a patient go to the dentist? Why?
Every 6 months, necessary for promotion and maintenance of oral health
Why do we ask if patient has sore/irritated palate or gums?
Lesions can be caused by ill-fitting dentures or presence of dentures may mask eruption of a new lesion
How can dental coverage affect oral care?
1/3 do not have coverage which can affect self-care behaviours
What is xerostomia?
Mouth dryness
What are some medications that can cause xerostomia?
antidepressants, anticholinergics, antihypertensives, antipsychotics and bronchodilators
Why do we ask older adults with they’ve lost any teeth and whether they can chew all types of food?
Could cause them to decrease in eating meat, vegetables and tooth-cleansing foods like apples
Why do we ask older adults about mouth care?
Self-care may decrease with physical ability, vision loss, confusion or depression
Why do we ask older adults whether they notice a change in sense of taste or smell
- Some add extra salt/sugar when taste diminishes
- Spoiled foods, natural gas leaks or smoke from a fire may not be detected
