Terminology pertaining to the ENMT system

Medical terms pertaining upper respiratory physical findings

otitis externa

inflammation of the outer ear

otitis media

inflammation of the middle ear

dysphagia

condition in which swallowing is difficult or painful

epistaxis

bleeding from the nose

TM

tympanic membrane

Hemotympanum

The presence of blood in the tympanic membrane.

Tympanic membrane

is the membrane that separates the other ear (ear canal) with the inner ear.

Cerumen impaction

buildup of earwax that blocks the ear canal causing decreased hearing and inability to visualize the tympanic membrane.

hemoptysis

coughing up blood

otalgia

pain in the ear

dry mucous membrane

generalized decrease in normal lubrication of the mucous membranes due to dehydration ( oral pharynx, lips, etc.)

Hoarse voice

vocalization marked by a deep, rough, harsh, or grating quality, indicating an inflammation of the throat and larynx.

Pharynx

throat; passageway for food to the esophagus and air to the larynx

Tonsillar

related to the tonsils

Tonsillar exudates

fluid secreted by the tonsils in response to infection or inflammation

rhinorrhea

runny nose

tonsillar hypertrophy

abnormally enlarged tonsillar tissue

nasal turbinates

passage ways for air that goes in and out of each nostril

nostrils

the two external openings of the nasal cavity

nasal mucosa

is what lines the nasal cavity. Changes in the nasal mucosa indicate bacterial infections, allergies, viral infections…

Maxillary sinuses

sinuses that are located near the nose, under the eyes, one of each side.

Frontal sinuses

sinuses located on the lower part of the forehead over the eye sockets and eyebrows.

Ethmoid sinuses

sinuses located between the nasal bridge and the eyes.

peritonsillar abscess

accumulation of pus due to an infection behind one tonsil. Usually due to complication of untreated strep throat or tonsilitis.

Uvula deviation

uvula positions more prominently to one side more than the other.

Uvula

a fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate which hangs above the throat

Patent airway

indicative that there is no airway obstruction or visible blockage in the airway. Important to assess during allergic reaction, asthma attacks…

Bulging TM

sign of otitis media. It is caused by fluid trapped behind the tympanic membrane, which causes it to bulge.

Dull TM

absent light reflex when lighting at the tympanic membrane with an otoscope

Loss of landmarks in TM

loss of ossicular landmarks which indicate otitis media

Opaque TM

a normal tympanic membrane is translucent with a pale gray color. An opaque TM lacks translucence.

Perforated TM

tear in the tympanic membrane caused by either infection, trauma, rapid changes in pressure

Air-fluid level behind TM

air or fluid collected behind the tympanic membrane in the middle ear which causes the tympanic membrane to bulge.

Pharyngeal erythema

redness of throat