Bulging tympanic membrane is typically due to…
…bacterial acute otitis media
Middle ear infection mech of action
Middle ear effusion
Absent or limited mobility of tympanic membrane during pneumatic otoscopy and most reliable sign of middle ear effusion
Antibiotics should not be used in what type of otitis media?
Otitis media effusion (alone)
Vaccines that help limit/prevent acute otitis media in children (2)
- pneumococcal vaccine
Analgesics for pain associated with acute otitis media (3)
Treatment of choice for acute otitis media as well as 3 alternatives
Amoxicillin ADRs (3)
Otitis externa is very treatable with ___ drugs unlike otitis media
Topical
Most common causative agent of acute otitis externa
P aeruginosa
2% acetic acid solution
Very cheap, safe, and effective bactericidal OTC agent for otitis externa often completely treating it on its own
Fluorquinolones for otitis externa (Cipro + hydrocortisone), (cipro + dexamethasone), (ofloxacin)
Preferred prescribed today as no ototoxicity or local rxns, used topically
Necrotizing otitis externa and symptoms (2)
Excessive cerumen impactation pathophys, signs/symptoms, treatment
Cough mech of action
Important defense reflex of respiratory tract starting with deep inspiration followed by closure of glottis and forceful contraction of chest and abdominal wall against closed glottis, that then opens and with high velocity propels mucus, debris, and foreign material from lower respiratory system
A productive cough vs nonproductive
Productive should not be suppressed - it is removing pathogenic purulent material, a dry cough on the other hand serves no physiologic purpose and often deprives individual of comfort or sleep
2 broad categories of antitussives
- peripheral acting agents
Opioid antitussives
(codeine and hydrocodone) Suppress cough decreasing intensity and frequency acting on CNS respiratory centers in medulla raising cough threshold
Dextromethorphan
OTC derivative of morphine with no analgesic or addictive properties at recommended doses, used in most OTC cough preps, has not been shown to be safe or effective in young children and at high doses can be abused
Antihistamine antitussive activity
Do not suppress cough directly, might reduce post nasal drip and unintentionally help, used widely to treat cold symptoms and are included in many cold and cough products
Benzonatate (Tessalon perles)
Derivative believed to decrease sensitivity of respiratory tract receptors used to decrease cough, not indicated in children as it can cause nausea, dizziness, sedation, or hallucinations, risks associated with it including seizures, arrhythmias, and even death, risks outweigh benefits
Guiafenesin (mucinex) function
expectorant with proven uses to remove respiratory tract secretions, safe at recommended doses
Aromatic oil function
Limmited evidence suggests these can ease cough and nasal congestion and improve sleep thru stimulating sensory nerve endings in nose creating local anesthetic
Analgesic choices to relieve symptoms of the common cold in children and adults (4)
- ASA and ketoprofen (adults)