TREATMENTGeneral measures consist of bed rest, forcing fluids, and placing the patient on a light diet. Administer analgesics and antibiotics as required. Gargles may prove beneficial. Acute tonsillitis may reoccur and become chronic. Chronic cases should be referred for possible surgical excision.
This is an acute suppuration that is often seen as a sequela of acute tonsillitis. It is usually unilateral and most often occurs in the peritonsillar space.
SYMPTOMSSwelling of the soft palate, severe sore throat, and displacement of the uvula are common. There may be pain upon opening the jaw, swelling and pain at the site of the cervical lymph nodes, and fevers of up to 105°F.
TREATMENTGeneral measures consist of systemic antibiotics, bed rest, forcing fluids, and administering analgesics to control temperature and pain. Transfer the patient to a medical treatment facility for I&D of the abscess and subsequent tonsillectomy.
This is an inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa due to virus or bacteria. It may occur as a primary disorder or in association with rhinitis and pharyngitis.
SYMPTOMSThey include pain, cough, redness, edema, a rasping quality to the voice, fever, malaise and if severe edema is present, dyspnea, and dysphonia and aphonia (difficulty in speaking or inability to speak).
TREATMENTGeneral measures include voice rest; discontinuing smoking; inhaling warm, moist air; and symptomatic treatment.
There are many nonspecific manifestations of disorder in the ocular system as well as pain, blurred vision, discharge, spots, and headache. All of these symptoms require further investigation.
This is a condition of the eye that is characterized by increased intraocular pressure. The pressure, if unchecked, causes atrophy of the optic nerve. This is an extreme surgical emergency! If unchecked for 2 to 5 days, the condition will most likely result in complete and irreversible blindness.
SYMPTOMSPatients with acute glaucoma will seek treatment immediately because of severe pain and blurring vision. The eye will appear red and the cornea has a steamy look. The pupil will be dilated and will not react to light. Intraocular pressure is elevated (over 25 mm Hg).
TREATMENTTransfer the patient to a medical facility immediately.
Foreign bodies in the eye area serious threat in many instances to the patients sight. See the HM 3 & 2 Rate Training Manual for further information.
Corneal abrasions are usually the result of foreign bodies striking the cornea.
SYMPTOMSThere is usually pain upon movement of the lid and a history of trauma.
TREATMENTRule out a foreign body. Instill sterile fluorescein into the conjunctival sac if an abrasion is suspected. The abrasion will stain green while the surrounding cornea will appear orange. Instill polymyxin-bacitracin ophthalmic ointment and apply a firm bandage. Check the eye the following day for healing.
Contusions are usually the result of subconjunctival hemorrhage, corneal rupture, or vitreous or retinal hemorrhage. They are almost always accompanied by a history of trauma. Some of the symptoms are immediately apparent, and others may not become apparent for days. Hyphema (hemorrhage into the anterior chamber of the eye), retinal detachment, and optic nerve injury are all complications that should be suspected.