Epiglottitis Patient will be complaining of rapid onset of fever and dysphagia PE will show the patient leaning forward, drooling, inspiratory stridor Imaging will show “thumbprint” sign Most commonly caused by H. influenzae, Streptococcus Treatment is IV antibiotics and airway management Sample question: A 5-year-old boy presents to the emergency department because of difficulty breathing that began a few hours prior to […]

Retinal Detachment Patient will be complaining of painless loss of vision, floaters, flashing lights, curtain lowering sensation PE will show retina appears hazy gray with white folds Treatment is stat ophthalmology consult Sample question: A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department complaining of vision changes for the last few hours. He describes a painless decrease in the vision […]

Pterygium Patient with a history of excessive sunlight exposure Complaining of something in the eye PE will show triangular shaped growth on the medial side Sample question: A 62-year-old man presents with complaints of right eye irritation for the past three days. He is a landscaper and he is often outside. Physical examination reveals a fleshy, triangular growth from […]

Hyphema Patient with a history of blunt or penetrating trauma Complaining of blurry vision PE will show unequal pupils, injected conjunctiva/sclera and blood in anterior chamber Treatment is eye protection and rest with the head of the bed at 30-45 degrees all the times A 13-year-old boy is brought to the urgent care clinic by his mother. He […]

Meniere’s Disease Patient will be complaining of episodic low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus with aural (ear) fullness, and vertigo lasting one to eight hours Diagnosis is made clinically Most commonly caused by too much inner ear endolymph and increased pressure within the inner ear Treatment is low salt diet, diuretics (HCTZ + triamterene) Example: A patient complains of […]

Welcome back to Episode 17! This is part 2 of the 3 part ITE rapid review series. In Episode 16, we covered abdominal emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies, cutaneous emergencies, endocrine emergencies, and environmental emergencies. Today we jump right in with HEENT emergencies. Let’s get started!