RTS - ears Flashcards

1
Q

What is ear wax?

A

oil produced by ears combines with epithelial cells in canal to form a waxy protective ear. When too much cerumen produced - obstructive waxy plug forms

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2
Q

what is otitis media?

A

infection of middle ear - usually associated with a cold / flu - respiratory infection - cannot be treated in community must refer - intense pain, discharge, fever, malaise, dizziness, nausea

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3
Q

what is otitis externa?

A

inflammation of the skin of the pinna or external ear canal - caused by fungus or bacteria.Common in patients with prolonged exposure to water.
- pain, fever, dizziness, malaise, fluid

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4
Q

What is glue ear?

A

common childhood condition - middle ear filled with fluid - hearing loss in one or both ears.
Clears up on its own in 3 months BUT refer if its longer or if its interfering with the Childs language development

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5
Q

What is tinnitus?

A

Ringing in the ear, or roaring, hissing, clicking etc.
Soft, loud, high pitch etc
Can be one or both ears
Always refer as the treatment depends on the cause

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6
Q

what is vertigo?

A

sensation of spinning caused by an inner ear problem - dizzy, swaying - caused by altered activity in the balance of the internal organs so ALWAYS refer if its NOT related to a migraine

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7
Q

what is a perforated eardrum?

A

hole or rupture - decreased hearing, discharge, pain
sometimes it heals spontaneously
refer if the symptoms persist with no improvement

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8
Q

what are the 4 treatments for ear wax

A
  1. products to loosen wax e.g olive oil, almond, arachis (caution - made with peanut oil) - cerumol
  2. Urea hydrogen peroxide 5% ear drops - Exterol - instil 5 drops once or twice daily up to 4 days
  3. docusate - facilitate water penetration to loosen ear wax - Waxol
  4. ear irrigation
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9
Q

treatments for otitis externa?

A

acetic acid 2% - instil at least 3 times a day every 2-3 hours - refer if no improvement after 48 hours.
- painkillers for fever and pain

BUT most cases need referral for antibiotics and steroid ear drops

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10
Q

treatments for otitis media?

A

symptomatic relief e.g painkillers, warm flannel BUT referral for antibiotics

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11
Q

Red flag referral symptoms for ears

A
severe pain
deafness / hearing loss
discharge
foreign body in ear
bleeding
suspected - vertigo, tints, otitis media, perforated ear drum
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12
Q

lifestyle points for ears

A
  • ear wax = dont use cotton buds, pushes it in
  • don’t leave cotton wool in ear, prevents removal of debris
  • otitis externa = avoid irritants by using ear plugs or cotton wool coated in white soft paraffin when showering, or shower cap, clean after swimming
  • ensure ear plugs, ear phones etc cleaned regularly
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13
Q

How many drops generally to put in - ears, eyes, nose?

A

Ears - 3+ drops
Eyes - 1 drop
nose - 2-3 drops

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