Unit Three Medical Terms PDF

Viral and Bacterial Sinusitis Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, postnasal drip, purulent nasal discharge, headache, cough, fever. Physical Exam: Inspect the nose for redness, swelling, and discharge. Percussion of the sinuses can elicit te...

Viral and Bacterial Sinusitis Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, postnasal drip, purulent nasal discharge, headache, cough, fever. Physical Exam: Inspect the nose for redness, swelling, and discharge. Percussion of the sinuses can elicit tenderness. Transillumination may show opacity in the sinuses. Red Flags Severe headache, high fever, or altered mental status may indicate complications like an abscess. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis; imaging (CT scan) if complications or chronic symptoms are suspected. Treatment Viral: Supportive care (decongestants, nasal saline, rest). Bacterial: Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate). Patient Education Encourage fluid intake, proper nasal hygiene, and avoidance of irritants. Referral Referral to an ENT specialist if symptoms persist for >12 weeks or complications arise. Follow-Up Follow up if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 7-10 days. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 24; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 8. 2. Hearing Loss Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Decreased ability to hear, difficulty understanding speech, tinnitus.  Physical Exam: Otoscopic examination for ear canal obstruction. Perform tuning fork tests (Weber, Rinne) and audiometry. Red Flags Sudden hearing loss, associated with vertigo or neurological deficits, may indicate a serious condition like acoustic neuroma. Diagnostics Audiometry and tympanometry. Treatment Based on the etiology: for conductive loss, remove obstructions; for sensorineural, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be needed. Patient Education Avoid loud noises and protect ears from damage. Referral Refer to an audiologist or ENT if sudden or progressive hearing loss is noted. Follow-Up Regular follow-up to monitor progress and audiological function. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 21; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 8-05. 3. Allergic Rhinitis Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy nose, and throat. Physical Exam: Pale, boggy nasal mucosa, clear nasal discharge, and conjunctival injection. Red Flags Severe, unrelenting symptoms or complications like sinusitis or asthma exacerbations. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis based on history and symptoms; skin testing for allergens. Treatment Antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, decongestants, and allergen avoidance. Patient Education Encourage environmental controls such as air purifiers, avoiding allergens, and using nasal saline. Referral Refer to an allergist if symptoms are severe or not controlled with standard treatments. Follow-Up Follow-up in 1-3 months to assess treatment efficacy and adjust if necessary. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 21; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 8. 4. Impacted Cerumen Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Ear fullness, decreased hearing, discomfort, itching. Physical Exam: Inspect ear canal with an otoscope. Impacted wax may be visible. Red Flags Pain or drainage could suggest an infection, such as otitis externa. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis with otoscopic exam. Treatment Cerumen removal using warm water irrigation or cerumenolytic agents (e.g., carbamide peroxide). Patient Education Advise against using cotton swabs in the ear canal. Referral Refer to ENT if cerumen impaction is recurrent or if there are complications. Follow-Up Follow-up if symptoms persist or if hearing does not improve. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 19; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 8. 5. Epistaxis (Nosebleed) Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Bleeding from the nostrils, often sudden and profuse. Physical Exam: Visual inspection of the nasal cavity for bleeding sites. Check for signs of systemic bleeding disorders. Red Flags Recurrent or severe epistaxis may signal bleeding disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or clotting factor deficiencies. Diagnostics Usually clinical; labs if a bleeding disorder is suspected. Treatment Apply direct pressure, nasal decongestants, or cauterize the site if persistent. Patient Education Avoid picking the nose, and use humidifiers to prevent dryness. Referral Referral to an ENT specialist for persistent cases or if packing is required. Follow-Up Follow up if bleeding recurs or is difficult to control. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 21; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 7. 6. Foreign Body in the Ear Recognition  Signs and Symptoms: Pain, fullness, decreased hearing, or drainage. Physical Exam: Inspect with an otoscope to identify foreign objects. Red Flags If a foreign body is deeply embedded or causing significant pain, avoid attempting removal without proper equipment. Diagnostics Visual inspection with an otoscope. Treatment Removal under proper technique, avoiding injury to the ear canal. Patient Education Advise caution with inserting objects into the ear canal. Referral Refer to ENT if the object cannot be removed or complications arise. Follow-Up Follow-up if there are any signs of infection or if symptoms persist. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 21; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 8. 7. Periorbital Cellulitis Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Redness, swelling, and warmth around the eyes, with or without fever. Physical Exam: Inspection for swelling, redness, and tenderness around the eyelids, and check for any ocular involvement. Red Flags Proptosis, visual changes, or pain with eye movement suggest orbital cellulitis, which requires urgent treatment. Diagnostics  CT scan if orbital cellulitis is suspected. Treatment Intravenous antibiotics for moderate to severe cases; oral antibiotics for mild cases. Patient Education Educate on the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics. Referral Immediate referral to an ophthalmologist or hospital if orbital cellulitis is suspected. Follow-Up Follow-up within 24-48 hours for reassessment. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 19; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 8. 8. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Recognition Signs and Symptoms: Ear fullness, muffled hearing, popping sounds in the ears, discomfort. Physical Exam: Tympanic membrane may appear normal, but a pneumatic otoscopy can show limited mobility. Red Flags Severe pain, fever, or hearing loss might indicate acute otitis media or infection. Diagnostics Diagnosis is usually clinical; audiometry or tympanometry can be used for further evaluation. Treatment Decongestants, nasal steroids, or autoinflation for mild cases. Patient Education Avoid sudden pressure changes (e.g., in air travel). Referral Refer to ENT if symptoms persist for over 3 months or if complications arise. Follow-Up Follow-up in 4-6 weeks to reassess. Source: Dunphy et al., 2022, Chapter 21; Papadakis et al., 2025, Chapter 8-05. Nasopharyngitis Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Runny nose, cough, sore throat, mild fever. Physical Exam: Red throat, nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge. Red Flags Severe fever, difficulty breathing, or altered mental status. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis. Treatment Symptomatic: fluids, analgesics, saline nasal spray. Patient Education Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for symptom relief. Referral Refer if symptoms persist >10 days or complications arise. Follow-up Follow-up if symptoms worsen or persist. 10. Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) Recognition  Signs/Symptoms: Ear fullness, muffled hearing, no pain or fever. Physical Exam: Otoscopic exam shows a dull, retracted tympanic membrane with fluid behind it. Red Flags Pain or fever, suggesting acute otitis media. Diagnostics Otoscopic examination. Treatment: Observation if mild, or tympanostomy tubes for recurrent cases. Patient Education Encourage fluid intake and avoid irritants. Referral: ENT if recurrent or persistent. Follow-up Follow up in 3-6 months if symptoms persist. 11. Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing. Physical Exam: Red, swollen tonsils with or without exudate, anterior cervical lymphadenopathy. Red Flags Difficulty breathing, drooling, or muffled voice (suggests peritonsillar abscess). Diagnostics Rapid strep test or throat culture. Treatment  Antibiotics if group A streptococcus confirmed. Patient Education: Rest, hydration, and complete the full course of antibiotics. Referral ENT if symptoms persist or for recurrent tonsillitis. Follow-up Follow-up if symptoms persist or worsen. 12. Otitis Externa Recognition Signs/Symptoms Ear pain, itching, discharge from the ear. Physical Exam Tenderness on manipulation of the auricle, otoscopic findings of edema and discharge. Red Flags Severe pain, fever, or hearing loss may indicate deeper infection. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis. Treatment Topical antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), analgesics. Patient Education Keep ears dry, avoid inserting objects into the ear. Referral ENT if symptoms persist or there are complications like cellulitis. Follow-up Follow-up within a week if symptoms do not resolve. Epiglottitis Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Severe sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooling, stridor (high-pitched breathing sounds), and tripod positioning. Physical Exam: Inspection may reveal a swollen, inflamed epiglottis. Laryngoscopy can confirm the diagnosis if necessary. Red Flags Respiratory distress, stridor, and inability to swallow. This indicates potential airway compromise and requires urgent intervention. Diagnostics Direct visualization via laryngoscopy, neck x-rays showing a "thumbprint" sign. Treatment Secure the airway (intubation or tracheostomy), IV antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone, cefotaxime), and corticosteroids. Patient Education Educate patients on the importance of seeking care for severe sore throats, especially in children. Referral Emergency referral for airway management and IV antibiotics. Follow-up Close monitoring in a hospital setting with follow-up if any residual issues arise. 2. Acute Otitis Media (AOM) Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Ear pain (otalgia), fever, irritability, hearing loss, and tugging at the ear in infants. Physical Exam: Otoscopic exam reveals a red, bulging tympanic membrane, effusion, and decreased tympanic membrane mobility. Red Flags Severe pain, high fever, or hearing loss indicate complications, like mastoiditis. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis based on otoscopic findings. Tympanometry can assess middle ear function. Treatment First-line treatment: Amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate for bacterial infections. Pain management: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Patient Education Emphasize adherence to antibiotic regimens, proper ear care, and preventing recurrence by avoiding exposure to respiratory infections. Referral Referral to ENT if symptoms persist for more than 48-72 hours, or if complications like mastoiditis develop. Follow-up Follow-up in 1-2 weeks for persistent symptoms. 3. Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, fatigue, and splenomegaly. Physical Exam: Enlarged tonsils with exudate, red throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Red Flags Difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain (splenic rupture), or jaundice. Diagnostics Monospot test or EBV serology. A CBC may show atypical lymphocytes. Treatment  Supportive care: Rest, hydration, analgesics (acetaminophen), and avoiding strenuous activities, especially contact sports, to prevent splenic rupture. Patient Education Advise avoiding aspirin due to Reye's syndrome risk, and recommend rest to promote recovery. Referral Referral for complications (e.g., splenic rupture or severe tonsillar swelling). Follow-up Follow-up if there is persistent fatigue or complications. 4. Mastoiditis Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Postauricular pain, erythema, swelling behind the ear, fever, and protrusion of the auricle. Physical Exam: Tenderness over the mastoid, redness, and swelling behind the ear. Red Flags High fever, severe pain, inability to move the ear, or swelling of the mastoid process. Diagnostics CT scan or MRI to confirm diagnosis and assess the extent of the infection. Treatment IV antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone, cefotaxime) and possibly surgical drainage. Patient Education Educate on completing antibiotics and avoiding recurrence. Referral Urgent referral to ENT for possible surgical intervention. Follow-up  Follow-up in 48-72 hours to assess treatment response. 5. Peritonsillar Abscess Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Severe sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, "hot potato" voice, and trismus. Physical Exam: Asymmetric tonsils with visible pus or fluctuation and tender cervical lymphadenopathy. Red Flags Severe airway obstruction or difficulty breathing may require immediate attention. Diagnostics Needle aspiration or incision and drainage to confirm the abscess. Treatment IV antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, clindamycin) and drainage of the abscess. Patient Education Emphasize the importance of completing the antibiotic regimen. Referral Refer to ENT for drainage and further management. Follow-up Follow-up in 48-72 hours to ensure resolution. 6. Red Eye (Conjunctivitis) Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Redness, irritation, tearing, discharge (watery or purulent), and a foreign body sensation. Physical Exam: Conjunctival injection (redness) and discharge. Examine for corneal involvement. Red Flags Pain, photophobia, or vision changes may indicate keratitis or iritis. Diagnostics Fluorescein staining to evaluate for corneal ulcers. Culture may be needed for bacterial infections. Treatment Bacterial conjunctivitis: Topical antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, ciprofloxacin). Viral conjunctivitis: Symptomatic treatment (cool compresses, artificial tears). Patient Education Advise on hygiene (handwashing, not sharing towels, and avoiding contact lens use). Referral Referral to ophthalmology if vision changes, severe pain, or suspected keratitis. Follow-up Follow-up if symptoms persist or worsen. 7. Dental Abscess Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Severe toothache, gum swelling, fever, and possible pus drainage. Physical Exam: Swelling, redness, and tenderness in the gums. Possible drainage of pus from the abscess. Red Flags Fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties could indicate a spreading infection. Diagnostics X-rays to assess the extent of the infection. Treatment Drainage of the abscess and antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin or clindamycin). Possible root canal therapy or extraction. Patient Education Emphasize the importance of following up with a dentist for permanent resolution. Referral Referral to a dentist for definitive treatment. Follow-up Follow-up within 48-72 hours to ensure resolution of infection. 8. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Redness, itching, burning, discharge (watery or mucopurulent), and foreign body sensation. Physical Exam: Conjunctival injection and discharge. Differentiate between viral, bacterial, and allergic causes. Red Flags Pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes suggest keratitis or corneal involvement. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis with possible cultures for bacterial infections. Treatment Viral conjunctivitis: Supportive care (cool compresses, artificial tears). Bacterial conjunctivitis: Topical antibiotics. Patient Education Encourage hygiene practices (handwashing) and avoiding contact lens use during infection. Referral Referral if there are complications, such as vision changes, or a corneal ulcer is suspected. Follow-up  Follow-up if symptoms worsen or persist. 9. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening the mouth, headaches. Physical Exam: Palpate the TMJ for tenderness, check for restricted jaw movement. Red Flags Severe pain, restricted jaw movement, or difficulty chewing may indicate more serious conditions like dislocationor arthritis. Diagnostics X-rays or MRI to assess joint alignment or cartilage damage. Treatment NSAIDs, jaw exercises, and a soft diet. Night guards may be recommended to prevent teeth grinding. Patient Education Advise relaxation techniques, posture correction, and avoiding excessive jaw movements. Referral Referral to a dentist or orthodontist for night guard therapy or further management. Follow-up Follow-up in a few weeks if symptoms persist or worsen. 10. Blepharitis Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Red, swollen eyelids, crusting along the lashes, itching, and burning. Physical Exam: Eyelid inflammation with possible debris at the lash line Red Flags If symptoms don't improve with basic treatment or if there is involvement of the cornea, further evaluation is necessary. Diagnostics Diagnosis is typically clinical, though culture may be performed for recurrent cases. Treatment Warm compresses and lid scrubs. Topical antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin) may be used for bacterial involvement. Patient Education Emphasize regular eyelid hygiene and warm compresses. Referral Referral to ophthalmology if symptoms do not improve with home management. Follow-up Follow-up in 1-2 weeks to assess symptom resolution. 11. Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Fever, vesicular rash on the hands, feet, and oral mucosa, and painful sores. Physical Exam: Oral ulcers with a characteristic rash on hands and feet. Red Flags Severe pain or dehydration (inability to drink fluids) may require hospitalization. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis; PCR test for enterovirus if needed. Treatment Symptomatic care: Hydration, pain relief (acetaminophen), and oral analgesics for mouth sores. Patient Education Advise good hygiene and isolation to prevent transmission. Referral Referral is rarely needed unless complications arise. Follow-up Follow-up if symptoms worsen or if dehydration occurs. 12. Hordeolum (Stye) Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Painful, red, swollen eyelid with a localized bump (often near the lash line). Physical Exam: Tenderness and erythema around the affected eyelash follicle. Red Flags If the stye does not resolve or worsens, it may be a chalazion or other deeper infection requiring drainage. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis based on appearance. Culture if it is recurrent or severe. Treatment Warm compresses and topical antibiotics (e.g., bacitracin or erythromycin). Patient Education Emphasize eyelid hygiene and avoiding squeezing the stye. Referral Referral if it doesn't resolve within a few days or if recurrent. Follow-up Follow-up in 1-2 weeks if symptoms persist. 13. Thrush (Oral Candidiasis) Recognition Signs/Symptoms: White, cottage cheese-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. Physical Exam: Lesions that can be scraped off, leaving a red, inflamed surface underneath. Red Flags If thrush is associated with pain or difficulty swallowing, further investigation for systemic infections may be needed. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis, or KOH preparation to confirm fungal elements. Treatment Antifungal therapy: Nystatin or fluconazole. Patient Education Emphasize proper oral hygiene and complete the full course of antifungals. Referral Referral to a specialist if thrush recurs or is severe. Follow-up Follow-up in 1-2 weeks if symptoms persist. 14. Chalazion Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Painless, firm nodule on the eyelid, usually on the upper lid. Physical Exam: Firm, round mass without redness or swelling. Red Flags If a chalazion is recurrent or very large, it may need surgical excision. Diagnostics  Clinical diagnosis. Biopsy is rarely required unless malignancy is suspected. Treatment Warm compresses and lid massages. If persistent, consider intralesional steroid injections or surgical excision. Patient Education Advise warm compresses and patience as chalazia may take time to resolve. Referral: Referral to an ophthalmologist if no improvement after a few weeks. Follow-up Follow-up if the chalazion does not resolve after conservative management. Stomatitis Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Painful inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, with lesions (ulcers or vesicles), erythema, and difficulty eating or swallowing. Physical Exam: Oral lesions on the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips, often surrounded by erythema. Red Flags If symptoms persist for more than 10 days or if there are signs of systemic involvement (fever, malaise), further evaluation for systemic infections may be required. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis based on the appearance of lesions. Viral cultures or PCR tests (for herpes simplex virus) or KOH prep (for fungal infections) may be used. Treatment Topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine gel), antivirals (e.g., acyclovir for HSV), or antifungal treatments (e.g., nystatin for oral thrush). Patient Education  Advise avoiding irritants (spicy foods, alcohol) and maintaining good oral hygiene. Emphasize the importance of rest and hydration. Referral Referral to an oral specialist or ENT if symptoms persist beyond 10 days, are recurrent, or if systemic complications arise. Follow-up Follow-up in 1-2 weeks if no improvement or if additional symptoms develop. 16. Ocular Foreign Body Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Sensation of something in the eye, redness, tearing, pain, and possibly decreased vision. Physical Exam: Inspection of the eye for visible foreign bodies, using a slit lamp or fluorescein stain to check for abrasions. Red Flags If the foreign body is not easily removed or if there is vision loss, trauma, or a significant corneal abrasion, the patient should be referred immediately for further evaluation. Diagnostics Slit lamp examination or fluorescein staining to identify corneal abrasions and foreign bodies. Treatment Removal of the foreign body using a sterile technique (irrigation or forceps, depending on size and location). Antibiotic ointments (e.g., erythromycin) may be prescribed post-removal. Patient Education Instruct patients to avoid rubbing the eye, and follow up if symptoms persist or worsen. Advise wearing protective eyewear for high-risk activities. Referral Referral to an ophthalmologist if the foreign body cannot be removed or if complications occur. Follow-up Follow-up in 24-48 hours to check for complications, such as infection or corneal scarring. 17. Herpangina Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Sudden fever, sore throat, and small, painful vesicles or ulcers on the back of the throat, soft palate, or uvula. Physical Exam: Small white or grayish ulcers with a red halo on the soft palate and uvula. Red Flags If the patient develops difficulty swallowing, dehydration, or respiratory distress, referral is necessary. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and appearance. PCR can confirm the viral etiology. Treatment Symptomatic treatment: Pain relief (acetaminophen), hydration, and avoiding irritants. Oral analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen) and antipyretics for fever. Patient Education Encourage hydration, rest, and good oral hygiene. Explain that the condition typically resolves within a week. Referral Referral if there are complications, such as dehydration, or if the patient has a weakened immune system. Follow-up Follow-up if symptoms worsen or if dehydration occurs. 18. Iritis/Uveitis/Keratitis Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Eye pain, photophobia, redness, blurred vision, and excessive tearing. Physical Exam: Conjunctival injection (particularly around the cornea), irregular pupil (in iritis), and possible corneal involvement in keratitis. Red Flags Severe pain, vision changes, and photophobia suggest an urgent need for referral as these conditions can cause permanent vision loss if untreated. Diagnostics Slit lamp exam for iritis, fluorescein staining for keratitis, and intraocular pressure measurement for uveitis. Treatment Topical corticosteroids and cycloplegic agents (for iritis), antibiotic eye drops (for keratitis), and systemic corticosteroids for uveitis if needed. Patient Education Advise avoiding eye strain, keeping eyes covered in bright light, and attending follow-up exams promptly. Referral Urgent referral to ophthalmology for suspected iritis, uveitis, or keratitis, especially if there is visual disturbance. Follow-up Follow-up within 24-48 hours if the condition is severe or if there is suspicion of complications. 19. Aphthous Ulcer (Canker Sores) Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Painful, shallow ulcers with a white or yellowish center and a red border, typically on the inner cheek or lips. Physical Exam: Shallow, round ulcer with erythematous borders. Often recurrent and self-limiting. Red Flags Large ulcers, ulcers lasting more than 2 weeks, or associated with systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss) suggest a need for referral to rule out other conditions. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis, though biopsy may be needed for persistent or severe cases to rule out underlying conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders). Treatment Topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone), antiseptic mouth rinses, and pain relief with oral analgesics (e.g., benzocaine). Patient Education Recommend avoiding irritants like spicy foods and stress management. Good oral hygiene can reduce frequency. Referral Referral if the ulcers are unusually large, painful, or recurrent, or if an underlying condition (e.g., Crohn’s disease) is suspected. Follow-up Follow-up if ulcers persist beyond 2 weeks or worsen. 20. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Severe, sudden eye pain, headache, nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, and halos around lights. Physical Exam: Mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil, conjunctival redness, and possible corneal edema. Red Flags: Immediate referral is necessary as this condition can result in permanent vision loss within hours without treatment. Diagnostics  Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), gonioscopy to assess the angle of the anterior chamber. Treatment Immediate medical intervention with IV acetazolamide, topical beta-blockers, and hyperosmotic agents (e.g., mannitol). Laser iridotomy or iridectomy is often required. Patient Education Emphasize the urgency of seeking care if any of the symptoms develop. Referral Emergency referral to ophthalmology for management and possible surgical intervention. Follow-up Urgent follow-up within 24 hours to ensure IOP control. 21. Corneal Abrasion Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Sudden onset of severe eye pain, foreign body sensation, tearing, and redness. Physical Exam: Fluorescein staining reveals a defect in the corneal epithelium. Red Flags If there is persistent pain, significant vision loss, or signs of infection (e.g., purulent discharge), refer urgently. Diagnostics Fluorescein staining to highlight the abrasion, and slit lamp examination for deeper lesions. Treatment Topical antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin ointment), and oral analgesics for pain. Patch therapy is not routinely recommended. Patient Education  Instruct on proper eye care and the importance of avoiding contact lenses until the cornea is healed. Referral Referral if the abrasion is large, deep, or complicated by infection. Follow-up Follow-up within 24-48 hours to ensure healing. 22. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Recognition Signs/Symptoms: A bright red area in the white part of the eye (sclera) due to a broken blood vessel. Physical Exam: No pain, no visual disturbance, and no discharge. Clear, intact cornea. Red Flags If there is associated pain, vision changes, or recurrent hemorrhages, consider underlying conditions like bleeding disorders. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis based on appearance, with a history of trauma or other risk factors (e.g., anticoagulant use). Treatment No treatment required for most cases; reassurance and monitoring. Patient Education Explain that the condition is usually benign and self-limiting. Encourage avoiding activities that may increase pressure (e.g., heavy lifting). Referral Referral if associated with recurrent hemorrhages, trauma, or underlying systemic conditions. Follow-up Follow-up if the hemorrhage does not resolve after 2-3 weeks. 23. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Chronic tearing or watery eyes, particularly in infants or older adults. Physical Exam: Pressure applied to the lacrimal sac may express discharge through the puncta. Red Flags If infection or abscess develops (indicating dacryocystitis), refer immediately for treatment. Diagnostics Clinical diagnosis, with possible lacrimal duct probing or dacryocystography if the obstruction is persistent. Treatment Massage and warm compresses for infants. In adults, surgical intervention may be needed (dacryocystorhinostomy). Patient Education Advise cleaning the area around the eye and ensuring proper hygiene. Referral Referral to an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist or worsen. Follow-up Follow-up if no improvement in 4-6 weeks. 24. Hyphema Recognition Signs/Symptoms: Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, blurred vision, pain, and light sensitivity. Physical Exam: Visible blood in the lower part of the iris or anterior chamber upon slit lamp examination. Red Flags Immediate referral to an ophthalmologist is required for management, especially if the blood is affecting vision. Diagnostics Slit lamp examination to confirm the presence of blood, and intraocular pressure measurement to assess for glaucoma. Treatment Bed rest, elevated head position, and avoidance of anticoagulants. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Patient Education Explain the need for rest and avoiding activities that increase pressure in the eye (e.g., lifting heavy objects). Referral Urgent referral to ophthalmology for evaluation and management. Follow-up Follow-up in 24-48 hours to monitor for complications, such as increased intraocular pressure or rebleeding.