I 27 - Responding to symptoms Eyes and Ears

Brief anatomy of the eye

What are the causative agents of eye issues?

• allergens

• bacteria

• virus

• irritants and cosmetics

What causes an issue in the eye?

• Multifactorial causative agents - results in the inflammation of conjunctiva

What are possible issues /symptoms of the eye?

• dryness

• burning sensation

• discharge

• soreness/irritation

• discomfort

• mild inflammation

What are the differential diagnoses?

What are the possible conditions and treatments?

What are optical red flags

• visual disturbances

• persistent headaches

• Photophobia/light sensitivity

• severe pain in the eyes

• floaters

• herpes lesions

more-

Brief anatomy of the ear ?

What are considerations for ear conditions?

• dual function - for hearing and balance

• time-sensitive - needs to be at a specific time for the treatment to be effective due to the natur eof the causitive agent

• multiple diagnoses for simliar symptoms

• common in children

What are osme possible causative agents that cause issues within the ears /

External and structural causes:

• narrowed ear canal

• excessive hair

• skin conditions

• trapped water

Internal and biological causes

• Bacteria

• fungus

• virus

• fluid buildup

What are the symptoms /complications possivble?

What are the differential diagnoses for the ears?

• EAR WAX - buildup

• EARACHE/ INFECTION: OTITIS MEDIA

• SWIMMERS’ EAR: OTITIS EXTERNA

• Dry / Eczema (skin condition) OTITIS EXTERNA

What are the presentations of ear conditions ?

What are the treatments?

extra stuff

What are the red flags and safety netting for the ears ?

What is the criteria for pharmacy first ottis media ?

Inclusion:
- Informed consent ,Age: 1-17 years old

What are the symptoms - Pharmacy first ?

Young children

• Tugging ears, crying, restlessness, loss of appetite

Older children:

• Earache

Older children:

• Earache

What are the signs for a otitis media when using a otoscope?

Sign	What it means
Bulging tympanic membrane	Eardrum bulges outwards due to fluid/pus building up in the middle ear. A key diagnostic sign.
Red/inflamed eardrum	Indicates inflammation, but redness alone does not confirm AOM.
Cloudy or opaque eardrum	Eardrum loses its normal translucent appearance due to middle-ear inflammation/fluid.
Reduced mobility	Eardrum moves less because fluid has accumulated behind it (assessed using pneumatic otoscopy).
Perforated eardrum with discharge	Eardrum has ruptured, allowing pus/fluid to drain into the ear canal

What observations should be made and the treatment options ?

Offer self-care and pain relief
If systemically unwell, co-comorbidities and underlying factors exist - REFER
● No discharge or known or suspected ear drum perforation yet red
● Self-care or Otigo drops (phenazone 40mg/ 10mg lidocaine) drops and patient to return if symptoms do not improve

What are the treatment and safety netting for otitis media?