Ear PDx

Question 1

What are the most common infectious and non-infectious causes of ear pain?

Answer 1

Infectious: otitis media, otitis externa
Non-infectious: foreign body, barotrauma

*Upon abnormal ear examination

Question 2

What are the most common causes of epistaxis?

Answer 2

• Disruption of the nasal mucosa - local trauma, dry environment, forceful blowing, etc.
• Facial trauma
• Scars and damage from previous nosebleeds that reopen and bleed
• Intranasal medications or recreational drugs
• Hypertension and/or arteriosclerosis
• Anticoagulant medications

Question 3

Types of nosebleeds?

Answer 3

Anterior: usually due to nasal mucosal dryness in younger populations; treat with localized digital pressure for 15-20 minutes, if it doesn’t stop cauterize with silver nitrate, nasal pack for refractory epistaxis, or collagen absorbable hemostat
Posterior: usually in older people due to more systemic reasons; treat with balloon type epistaxis devices, foley catheter or other traditional posterior packs may be necessary