Related Experiment Videos

[Complications of acute ENT infections]

W Müller1

  • 1Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik, Kantonsspital Luzern. werner.mueller@ksl.ch

Praxis
|November 8, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Acute head and neck infections are common, often leading to antibiotic prescriptions. Balancing antibiotic use is crucial to avoid resistance and side effects while preventing serious complications.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • General Practice

Context:

  • Acute head and neck infections represent a significant portion of common human illnesses.
  • Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for these conditions, raising concerns about overuse.
  • There is a growing consensus to reconsider routine antibiotic prescriptions for upper airway infections due to questionable benefits and potential harms.

Purpose:

  • To present symptoms, differential diagnoses, and treatment strategies for prevalent head and neck infections.
  • To guide family physicians in the early recognition and appropriate management of these infections.
  • To inform clinical decision-making regarding antibiotic use in head and neck infections.

Summary:

  • Overuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance and adverse side effects.
  • While serious complications are rare, they can be life-threatening.
  • Judicious antibiotic use is essential to minimize infectious complications and the need for surgical interventions.
  • Balancing the risks and benefits of antibiotic therapy is critical in managing head and neck infections.

Impact:

  • Optimizing antibiotic prescribing practices for head and neck infections.
  • Reducing the incidence of antibiotic resistance and associated side effects.
  • Improving patient outcomes by ensuring adequate treatment and minimizing complications.
  • Empowering family physicians with evidence-based information for effective patient care.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...