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Em Year 1 Biomed, Semester 1 > Sense Organ Pathologies > Flashcards

Sense Organ Pathologies Flashcards

1
Q

Which pathology is also known as ‘Swimmer’s Ear’?

A

Otitis Externa

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2
Q

Define otitis externa.

A

Inflammation of the outer ear.

90% of cases associated with a bacterial infection, but can be fungal or allergic.

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3
Q

In which populations / conditions is otitis externa more common?

A
  1. Swimmers
  2. People who live in humid climates
  3. Diabetes Mellitus
  4. HIV
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4
Q

What is cerumen?

A

Ear wax

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5
Q

Why is ear wax so important?

A

Because it contains lysozymes and oil that create an acidic, lubricating coat in the ear and inhibit bacterial/fungal infection.

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6
Q

Why are people with insufficient ear wax prone to ear infections?

A

Because ear wax is part of the body’s natural defences. It contains lysozymes and is acidic to inhibit bacterial and fungal infections.

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7
Q

Why is excess ear wax a bad thing?

A

It can cause an ear obstruction (especially if pushed further in with cotton buds)

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8
Q

List 3 things that can contribute to otitis externa.

A
  1. Frequent use of earplugs
  2. Hearing aids
  3. Fungal infections following antibiotic use
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9
Q

List 3 signs/symptoms of otitis externa.

A
  1. Pain (especially with movement of pinna)
  2. Discharge (purulent)
  3. Red, swollen auditory canal
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10
Q

Define otitis media.

A

Infection of the middle ear

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11
Q

Which pathology is the most common cause of earache in children?

A

Otitis media

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12
Q

List 2 causes of otitis media

A
  1. Bacteria & viruses, typically spread from nasopharynx.

2. Allergies (cows milk, wheat, egg)

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13
Q

List 3 signs/symptoms of otitis media

A
  1. Earache / pain
  2. Bulging of tympanic membrane
  3. Malaise
  4. Fever
  5. Mild hearing loss
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14
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for otitis media?

A
  • Rupture of the tympanic membrane

- Antibiotics

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15
Q

What is secretory otitis media?

A

An effusion of the middle ear, due to incomplete resolution of otitis media.
Also known as glue ear.

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16
Q

What is ‘glue ear’ also known as?

A

Secretory otitis media

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17
Q

Explain the pathophysiology of secondary otitis media (glue ear).

A

Build up of a gluey fluid inside the middle ear, due to incomplete resolution of acute otitis media.
The gluey fluid dampens the tympanic membrane and resulting ossicle vibrations, leading to hearing impairment.

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18
Q

List 2 signs/symptoms of secretory otitis media.

A
  1. Hearing loss

2. Intermittent ear pain

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19
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for secretory otitis media (glue ear)?

A

Fitting a grommet into the eardrum

Sometimes tonsils are also removed to improve eustachian tube drainage.

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20
Q

For which pathology would allopathic medicine fit a grommet into the tympanic membrane?

A

Secretory otitis media

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21
Q

What is the medical name for Labyrinthitis?

A

Otitis interna

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22
Q

What is otitis interna also known as?

A

Labyrinthitis

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23
Q

Define labyrinthitis / otitis interna.

A

A balance disorder, associated with inflammation of the membranous labyrinth.

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24
Q

What is the name given to a balance disorder, associated with inflammation of the membranous labyrinth?

A

Labyrinthitis / otitis interna

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25
Q

List 3 causes of otitis interna.

A
  1. An upper respiratory infection
  2. Head injury
  3. Allergy
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26
Q

What are the signs / symptoms of otitis interna (Labyrinthitis)?

A
  • Sudden and severe vertigo, NOT triggered by movement
  • Sudden unilateral hearing loss
  • Nausea and vomitting
  • Tinnitus
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27
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for otitis interna (Labyrinthitis)?

A

Anti-emetic drugs (anti-sickness)

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28
Q

Describe Menieres Disease.

A

A disorder of the inner ear.
Caused by a change in fluid volume in the labyrinth.
Associated with progressive distension of the membranous labyrinth.

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29
Q

Which pathology is a disorder of the inner ear, caused by a change in fluid volume in the labyrinth?

A

Menieres Disease

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30
Q

Which pathology is characterised by vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, and has fluctuating patterns of symptoms (acute attacks for 2-3 hours, every 1-2 months)?

A

Menieres Disease

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31
Q

List 3 causes of Menieres Disease.

A

Largely unknown, by hypothesised as:

  • Genetics
  • Viral
  • Autoimmune conditions (RA, SLE)
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32
Q

Name one autoimmune condition associated with Menieres Disease

A
  • RA

- SLE

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33
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for Menieres Disease?

A

There is no cure. Allopathic medicine only seeks to minimise symptoms of attacks

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34
Q

List 3 natural approaches to treating Menieres Disease.

A
  1. Low salt intake (reduces fluid build up in the inner ear)
  2. Stop smoking
  3. Address fatigue
  4. Homeopathic - Conium Maculatum
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35
Q

What is tinnitus?

A

The perception of sound originating from within the head rather than outside.

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36
Q

List the 2 types of tinnitus.

A
  1. Objective tinnitus

2. Subjective tinnitus

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37
Q

What is the difference between objective and subjective tinnitus?

A

Objective tinnitus involves an internal acoustic stimuli that is either pulsatile or muscular.

Subjective tinnitus involves no internal acoustic stimuli and instead can be caused by a number of pathologies, including head injuries, meningitis, TMJ dysfunction and ear infections.

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38
Q

List 3 possible causes of subjective tinnitus.

A
  1. Head injury
  2. Ear infection
  3. Menieres Disease
  4. Meningitis
  5. TMJ dysfunction
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39
Q

Long term exposure to noises about ____ Db can cause hearing impairment.

A

90 dbs

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40
Q

List the 2 main categories of hearing impairment.

A

Conductive & Sensory

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41
Q

What is the difference between a conductive and a sensory hearing impairment?

A

Conductive = caused by an ear canal obstruction, ossicle abnormalities or ruptured tympanic membrane.

Sensory = Poor hair cell function (caused by infection, noise trauma or congenital)

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42
Q

List 3 pathologies that can cause hearing impairment.

A

Measles
Meningitis
Mumps

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43
Q

List 3 causes of hearing impairment

A
  1. Disease
  2. Head injuries
  3. Shaken baby syndrome
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44
Q

Name 2 treatments for a hearing impairment.

A
  1. Hearing aid

2. Cochlear implant

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45
Q

What structure does the stapes connect to?

A

Oval window

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46
Q

Which 2 bones in the inner ear send nerve impulses for balance?

A

Vestibule and semi-circular canals

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47
Q

What is blepharitis?

A

Inflammation of the eyelid margin. Can be acute or chronic.

48
Q

Which pathogen is often associated with blepharitis?

A

Staphylococcus aureus

49
Q

List 4 signs/symptoms of blepharitis.

A
  1. Red eyelid margins
  2. Sore, gritty eyes
  3. Scales and flakes around the eyes
  4. Itching and burning
  5. Loss of eyelashes
50
Q

Why does blepharitis sometimes lead to recurrent styes?

A

Because the inflammation involved in blepharitis blocks the sebaceous glands.

51
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for blepharitis?

A
  • Eyelid hygiene
  • Warm compress on eyes for 5-10 minutes
  • Topical antibiotics
52
Q

What is a stye?

A

Inflammation / blocking of the sebaceous glands of the eyelid.

53
Q

What is the most common cause of a stye?

A

Bacterial infection - staphylococcus

54
Q

List 2 risk factors for styes

A
  • Diabetes Mellitus

- Chronic blepharitis

55
Q

Describe the symptoms of a stye

A

Red, swollen and/or painful infection of the sebaceous glands in the eyelid.
Usually affects the upper lid.

56
Q

List one complication of a stye.

A

The formation of the stye cyst can damage the cornea.

57
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for a stye?

A

Usually none necessary - the stye will usually burst on its own and the pus will drain.
Hot compresses used 3-4x per day can ease pain and aid pus removal.

58
Q

How infectious is conjunctivitis?

A

Very

59
Q

What is conjunctivitis?

A

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (very infectious)

60
Q

List 3 potential causes of conjunctivitis.

A
  1. Bacterial
  2. Viral
  3. Allergies
61
Q

What would suggest deeper (corneal) involvement in conjunctivitis?

A

Photophobia

62
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for conjunctivitis?

A
  • Eye baths with salt water
  • Antibiotic eye drops
  • Oral antibiotics (rarely)
63
Q

List 3 signs/symptoms of conjunctivitis.

A
  1. Red eye
  2. Irritation / discomfort
  3. Purulent discharge (if bacterial)
  4. Water eye (if viral / allergic)
64
Q

What is uveitis?

A

Inflammation of any part of the uvea (iris, ciliary body, choroid)

65
Q

List 3 causes of uveitis.

A
  1. Autoimmune disease
  2. Trauma to the eye
  3. Viral infection (i.e, herpes)
66
Q

Name one autoimmune disease commonly associated with uveitis.

A

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

67
Q

Why is there an association between uveitis and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?

A

They both share an increased risk as a result of the HLA-B27 gene.

68
Q

Which gene is linked with a predisposition to both uveitis and AS?

A

HLA-B27

69
Q

List the 3 main symptoms of uveitis.

A
  1. Progressive unilateral red eye with pain
  2. Blurred vision
  3. Photophobia
70
Q

Which eye pathology is associated with progressive, unilateral red eye with pain?

A

Uveitis

71
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for uveitis?

A

Antibiotics

Sometimes cortisone

72
Q

What is a corneal ulcer?

A

An ulcer (open sore) that develops in the cornea.

73
Q

Why is a corneal ulcer a medical emergency?

A

Because loss of sight is possible

74
Q

Name one eye pathology that is a medical emergency.

A

Corneal ulcer

75
Q

List 3 causes of a corneal ulcer.

A
  1. Viral, bacterial or fungal pathogen
  2. Trauma (i.e, from contact lens)
  3. Spread from blepharitis
76
Q

List 3 symptoms of a corneal ulcer

A
  • Pain
  • Reduced vision
  • Photophobia
  • Discharge
77
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for a corneal ulcer?

A

Antibiotics, anti fungal or antiviral drugs.

Corneal transplant

78
Q

What is the medical term for a squint?

A

Strabismus

79
Q

What is strabismus?

A

A misalignment of the eyes, which means that the retinal image is not in corresponding areas of both eyes.

80
Q

The terms ‘exotropia’ and ‘esotropia’ are associated with which eye pathology?

A

Strabismus (squint)

81
Q

In the eye pathology strabismus (squint), ________ describes an inward squint, whilst _______ describes an outward squint.

A 
Esotropia = inward squint
Exotropia = outward squint
82
Q

In which eye pathology might an eye patch be used as part of treatment?

A

Strabismus (squint)

Eye patch is used on the normal eye, to force the brain to use the affected eye.

83
Q

List 2 causes of strabismus (squint).

A
  1. Genetic / family history

2. Damage to nerves (ie. stroke, brain tumour)

84
Q

In which eye pathology would you see an opaque lens?

A

Cataracts

85
Q

Which eye pathology is the leading cause of blindness in the world?

A

Cataracts

86
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for cataracts?

A

Lens replacement

87
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of cataracts.

A

A healthy lens is transparent, due to regular arrangement of lens fibres.
In cataracts, new lens fibres are produced and become disorganised within cytoplasm, which leads to clouding.

88
Q

List 4 causes of cataracts

A
  1. Age related degeneration
  2. Diabetes Mellitus
  3. Smoking
  4. Steroids
89
Q

In which eye pathology would you see gradual, painless loss of vision?

A

Cataracts

90
Q

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

A

The ageing changes that occur in the central area of the retina (the macula).

91
Q

List 3 risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A
  • Smoking
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Family history
92
Q

List 2 tools you might use to diagnose age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A
  1. Amsler Grid

2. Opthalmoscope

93
Q

In which eye pathology might you use an Amsler Grid to help with diagnosis?

A

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

94
Q

Which age group are most at risk from age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

A

Over 55’s

95
Q

What is the medical term for eye ‘floaters’?

A

Muscae Volitantes

96
Q

What are muscae volitantes (‘floaters’)?

A

Opacities floating in the field of vision

97
Q

Why are eye floaters visible to the patient?

A

Because of the shadows they cast on the retina.

98
Q

List 2 causes of eye floaters.

A
  1. Collagen fibrils presenting as floaters

2. Vitreous haemorrhage in diabetic retinopathy

99
Q

What is retinal detachment?

A

Detachment of the neurosensory layer of the retina

100
Q

Which age group are more at risk of retinal detachment?

A

Middle-aged and elderly

101
Q

Which eye pathology presents as floaters in vision, flashing lights and curtains descending over vision?

A

Retinal detachment

102
Q

Name an ocular emergency that usually requires surgery.

A

Retinal detachment

103
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

A

Increased intraocular pressure, caused by inadequate drainage.

104
Q

Which eye pathology causes compression of the retina and optic nerve?

A

Glaucoma

105
Q

What is the main complication of glaucoma?

A

Permanent blindness, caused by damage to the optic nerve and retina.

106
Q

There are 2 types of glaucoma, ______ and _______

A

Mild and severe

107
Q

Which eye pathology is associated with increased intraocular pressure?

A

Glaucoma

108
Q

List 3 causes of glaucoma.

A
  1. Congenital
  2. Uveitis
  3. Smoking (can increase pressure)
109
Q

Why is glaucoma a serious condition?

A

Because it can lead to permanent blindness.

110
Q

Which eye pathology is often associated with loss of night vision when in chronic stages?

A

Glaucoma

111
Q

List 3 signs/symptoms of acute glaucoma.

A
  1. Pain in the eyes
  2. Haloes around lights (relieved by sleep)
  3. Deteriation of vision
  4. Sensitivity to bright light
112
Q

What is the allopathic treatment for glaucoma?

A

Eye drops / tablets to reduce fluid protection

Laser or surgical treatment

113
Q

What is diabetic retinopathy?

A

A progressive disease of the retinal microvasculature, which is potentially sight-threatening.

114
Q

Diabetic retinopathy occurs as a result of chronic _______.

A

Hyperglycaemia

115
Q

What is neovascularisation and in which eye pathology would you expect to see it?

A

Neovascularisation = new vessel formation in an attempt to re-vascularise.

Seen in diabetic retinopathy.

116
Q

In which eye pathology do retinal vessel walls become weak and leaky, leading to micro-aneurysms, oedema and haemorrhaging?

A

Diabetic retinopathy

117
Q

Patients with diabetic retinopathy may retain normal sight, or experience a decline in vision and floaters. True or false?

A

True

Em Year 1 Biomed, Semester 1 (16 decks)

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