Question Easy: A 25-year-old woman presents to the GP with symptoms of itchy, watery eyes and sneezing, particularly after spending time outdoors during springtime. Given her likely condition, what type of medication is the first-line treatment? 🌼
A) Beta-blockers
B) Antihistamines
C) Corticosteroids
D) Antibiotics
E) Decongestants
Question Medium: A 40-year-old man presents with a sudden onset of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss in his right ear. These symptoms have occurred in episodes over the past few months. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? 🚑
A) Labyrinthitis
B) Meniere’s disease
C) Acoustic neuroma
D) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
E) Otosclerosis
Question Hard: A 60-year-old woman comes to the clinic with chronic nasal congestion and anosmia. She is a long-term smoker and has noticed worsening symptoms over the past year. On examination, there are nasal polyps present. What is the most appropriate management to address her symptoms? 🚭
A) Surgical removal of polyps
B) Long-term antibiotic therapy
C) Smoking cessation
D) Intranasal corticosteroids
E) Nasal saline irrigation
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B) Antihistamines
Question Easy Explanation: The symptoms described are characteristic of allergic rhinitis, often triggered by pollen in the spring. Oral antihistamines are the first-line treatment according to NICE guidelines, as they help alleviate symptoms by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions.
Question Medium Answer: B) Meniere’s disease
Question Medium Explanation: Meniere’s disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss, which fits the symptomatology of the patient. According to NHS guidelines, it is managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery.
Question Hard Answer: D) Intranasal corticosteroids
Question Hard Explanation: For patients with nasal polyps and associated symptoms like anosmia, intranasal corticosteroids are the first-line treatment as recommended by NICE. They reduce inflammation and polyp size, improving nasal airflow and smell.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that the human eye can distinguish approximately 10 million different colours? Understanding this capability is crucial for diagnosing colour vision deficiencies and ensuring accurate assessments in ophthalmology practice in the UK.
Quote of the day: “In the heart of care, every kind gesture and every moment matters. Let compassion be the lighthouse that guides you through challenging days.” 🌟