Ear problems Flashcards

1
Q

Types of ear problems treated OTC

A

Blocked ear
Otitis externa
Otitis media
Glue area due to recurrent otitis media in children

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2
Q

What causes blocked ear?

A

Due to earwax causing temporary deafness - need ear wax to soften and remove wax - syringing can remove wax

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3
Q

Define otitis externa

A

Inflammation and infection of the skin of the ear canal

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4
Q

Otitis externa symptoms

A
  • Localised or diffuse ear pain
  • itching, hearing loss, discharge
  • sometimes at site of eczema or boil - can become secondary infected
  • can be precipitated by ear trauma
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5
Q

Otitis externa caused by ear trauma examples

A
Scratching
Foreign bodies 
Cotton bud use
Swimming 
Chemicals
Ear syringing 
Skin conditions
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6
Q

Cause of acute localised Otitis externa

A

Caused by a boil

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7
Q

cause of diffuse otitis externa

A

caused by bacteria

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8
Q

Define otitis media and explain

A

infection of middle ear compartment
Middle ear is normally an air-containing compartment that is sealed from the outside by the eardrum, except from the Eustachian tube that connects to the back of the throat.

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9
Q

Otitis media causes

A

An infection from the common cold=blockage of Eustachian tube and fluid formation within the middle ear

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10
Q

Symptoms of otitis media

A

pain
temporary deafness
perforated eardrum
discharge

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11
Q

How does glue ear happen?

A

May occur due to recurrent otitis media where the fluid that forms in the middle ear does not drain out completely, becoming tenacious and sticky.
Can be removed manually
Causes hearing loss

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12
Q

Referral criteria for ear problems

A

signs of infection
perforated ear drum
pain

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13
Q

Lifestyle advice for ear problems

A

Avoid getting soap and water in the uses

Avoid use of cotton buds or towel ends to clean ears

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14
Q

Hydrogen peroxide ear drops

Symptoms and directions for use

A

Clear wax, softens wax before clearing
Directions for all ages: Incline head, up to 5 drops instilled 1/2 times a day for 3-4 days
Warm drops before use (ideally to body temperature)
If doesn’t work within 3/4 days, refer to doctor

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15
Q

Hydrogen peroxide ear drops
Warnings
Counselling

A

Warning: deafness may worsen initially
Counselling: cotton-wool buds should not be poked into ear as they push wax in and may cause damage to the ear drum

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16
Q

EarCalm spray
API
Type/family

A

Acetic acid

Antifungal and antibacterial for otitis externia

17
Q

EarCalm spray directions for use

A

> 12yrs: 1 metered dose administered at least TDS
Max 1 spray every 2-3 hours for 2 days
Do NOT use for more than 7 days