ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA IN ADULTS

Acute otitis media in adults is defined as inflammation of the middle ear.

Symptoms can include all or some of the following: ear pain, decreased hearing, drainage of fluid from the ear canal, fever, headache and history of recent upper respiratory infection.

The most common culprit in adults is bacteria, such as Streptococcus. Other culprits include respiratory viruses.

Treatment includes oral antibiotics to treat bacterial infection in adults along with ibuprofen and acetaminophen for fever and/or pain.

*Always consult your physician before initiating any over the counter treatment.

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SORE THROAT IN ADULTS

DEFINITION: Sore throat is defined as inflammation of the tonsils, pharynx or larynx. It is also referred to as acute pharyngitis.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms can include all or some of the following: pain in the throat, fever, enlarged lymph glands in the neck and white patches of pus on the side or back of the throat. Some associated symptoms can also be present such as runny or congested nose, irritation or redness of the eyes, cough, hoarseness or soreness in the roof of the mouth.

CAUSES: The most common culprits are viruses and bacteria. Specifically, strep throat is most of caused by the bacterium group A streptococcus.

TREATMENT: Treatment includes ibuprofen and acetaminophen for fever and pain, salt-water gargles, sprays containing topical anesthetics, and lozenges for throat pain or to relieve dryness. Other treatments to help relieve throat pain include sipping warm beverages (honey or lemon tea, chicken soup), cold beverages, or eating cold or frozen desserts (ice cream, popsicles). Treatment with antibiotics is recommended for adults whose rapid test or throat culture is positive for strep throat or other bacteria.

*Always consult your physician before initiating any over the counter treatment.

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 Acute sinusitis in adults is defined as inflammation of the paranasal sinus cavities lasting less than 4 weeks.

Symptoms can include all or some of the following: nasal congestion, nasal blockage, green and/or yellow nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, ear pressure, ear fullness, ear pain, headache, upper tooth pain, fever, cough and fatigue.

The most common culprits are viruses and bacteria.

Treatment includes ibuprofen and acetaminophen for fever and pain; nasal irrigation with saline, antihistamines-decongestant combinations such as Zyrtec D®, Claritin D® or Allegra D® to name a few.  Nasal inhaled steroids such as Flonase®, Nasonex®, Nasacort AQ®, Veramyst® are helpful for nasal inflammation and clearing obstruction.  Inhaled decongestants such as Afrin® should be used sparingly and for no more than 3 days as rebound congestion usually occurs. Antibiotics are usually indicated for patients who have symptoms lasting greater than 10 days or those who present with fever or facial pain.

*Always consult your physician before initiating any over the counter treatment.

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Allergic Rhinitis is inflammation of the upper respiratory tract lining including the nose, throat and sinuses.

Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, post nasal drip i.e. tickling sensation of throat.

Causes include viruses such as the common cold; allergens such as pollen from trees, grass, weeds; fungus, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander and roaches.

Treatment includes antihistamines, decongestants and nasal irrigation. Common over the counter antihistamines include Claritin®, Zyrtec®, Benadryl®. Use with caution in the elderly and patients with prostate problems. Decongestants contain pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®). Use with caution in patients with high blood pressure or heart problems.  Inhaled antihistamines/steroids include cromolyn sodium which is available over the counter; Flonase®, Nasonex®, Nasocort®, Astelin®, and Patanase® to name a few.  Nasal irrigation includes saline nasal spray and a Neti pot. 

 *Always consult your physician before initiating any over the counter treatment.

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