Primary care
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Otitis media and otitis externa are common ear conditions affecting individuals of all ages. Symptoms can range from mild to severe ear pain. ⋯ Proper management requires use of up-to-date guidelines and advanced treatments to address the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy challenges. This article overviews current practices and recent developments in treating these common ear disorders.
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Temporomandibular junction disorders (TMD) are a common problem for patients presenting to the primary care office. Symptoms may be acute or chronic. ⋯ Physical examination findings vary and may include palpable tenderness or spasm of the pterygoid muscles, palpable or audible clicking at the joint, wear and tear of tooth enamel, or dental malocclusion. Most TMDs respond well to conservative therapy, but some patients may benefit from more invasive treatments.
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This study provides a comprehensive overview of sinusitis, detailing its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies. Sinusitis, characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, can be acute, subacute, recurrent, or chronic, with distinct clinical presentations and treatment approaches. ⋯ Surgical interventions like functional endoscopic sinus surgery may be required for refractory cases. Emerging therapies, such as biologics and minimally invasive procedures, offer promising alternatives to traditional management approaches.
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Bell's palsy is acute weakness of the facial muscles associated with compression of cranial nerve VII. The annual incidence is 20 to 30 per 100,000. Diagnosis is based on a thorough history and physical examination, with careful attention to exclude other causes of facial weakness, such as stroke or Lyme disease. ⋯ Physical therapy and Botox injections can help patients with persistent symptoms. The roles of surgery and acupuncture remain unclear. Close follow-up is warranted and patients without improvement should be referred to a specialist.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common and underdiagnosed condition across the world. It affects both pediatric and adult populations in unique but important ways. ⋯ Accurate and precise testing is vital to ensure accurate treatment, and specific testing methods are reviewed. Treatment options are discussed in detail for both adult and pediatric populations.