ABSTRACT
Epiglottitis is a rare and life-threatening cause of acute sore throat. Usually, epiglottitis is caused by a bacterium, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b. Symptoms of epiglottitis are acute and rapidly progressive sore throat, a hoarse voice, fever, and drooling. We present two adult patients with acute sore throat who were diagnosed with epiglottitis. In adults with symptoms compatible with epiglottitis, it is justified to look down the throat with a light. Only if the view is impeded should a spatula be used but carefully. If there is a discrepancy between the severity of symptoms and few or no abnormal findings on examination of the throat, epiglottitis should be considered. If epiglottitis is suspected, referral to an ENT specialist is always indicated. Symptoms of upper airway obstruction, such as drooling, dyspnoea, inspiratory stridor and fear or anxiety, are an indication for emergency referral by ambulance.
Subject(s)
Epiglottitis/diagnosis , Haemophilus Infections/diagnosis , Acute Disease , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Dyspnea/diagnosis , Dyspnea/microbiology , Dyspnea/therapy , Epiglottitis/microbiology , Epiglottitis/therapy , General Practice , Haemophilus Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Intubation, Intratracheal , Laryngoscopy , Male , Middle Aged , Referral and Consultation , Respiratory Sounds , SialorrheaABSTRACT
The aim of a diagnostic work-up in patients with acute sore throat is to exclude serious causes of tonsillitis and, in cases of a pharyngotonsillitis, to assess the degree of illness and the risk of complications. A diagnostic work-up aimed at the distinction between a viral or bacterial cause of pharyngotonsillitis does not determine initial treatment policy. Pharyngotonsillitis usually has a benign natural course; patient information and analgesia are usually sufficient treatment. Complications of an infection with group A streptococci are rare; diagnostic work-up for this bacterial cause is, therefore, not recommended. Antibiotics are only useful in cases of severe pharyngotonsillitis, increased risk of complications or a peritonsillar infiltration. The antibiotic of choice is a narrow spectrum penicillin; however, amoxicillin/clavulanate is indicated in patients with peritonsillar infiltration. If there is discrepancy in adults between the severity of symptoms and findings on physical examination, the possibility of epiglottitis should be considered.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Pharyngitis/diagnosis , Pharyngitis/drug therapy , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/standards , Family Practice/standards , General Practitioners/standards , Humans , Netherlands , Pain Management , Pharyngitis/etiology , Physical ExaminationABSTRACT
The guideline 'Gastric symptoms' covers the diagnosis and management of adults with dyspepsia in general practice, the prevention of unnecessary proton pump inhibitor use, and gastric protection during treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including low-dose acetylsalicylic acid derivatives. During an initial episode of dyspepsia no distinction is made between reflux and ulcus symptoms because management is the same: start by prescribing an antacid and, if these provide insufficient effect, progress to a H2-receptor antagonist and subsequently to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Testing for Helicobacter pylori should be performed in all patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms, preferably by using the monoclonal stool test. Gastroscopy should be performed with restraint in an H. pylori negative patient < 50 years with persistent or recurrent symptoms but no acute symptoms as there is only a very slight risk of malignancy. - Chronic PPI use is seen in 7% of the population and is associated with infections and osteoporosis. Phasing out of PPI use without good indication seems to be possible in 70% of patients.
