Contributor: Meghan Hurley, MD Educational Pearls: Educational Pearls: Dental infections can be categorized into two main groups Infections of the gums Pericoronitis Tooth eruption leading to inflammation/irritation Can progress to an infection Requires pain control, no antibiotics Gingivitis Inflammation of the gums Can lead to an infection requiring antibiotics Abscess (gums) If an infection develops…

Contributor: Jarod Scott, MD Educational Pearls: There is a 1-hour window for tooth replantation in ED Cold milk is often best transport media unless there is access to specialized solutions (Hank’s Balanced Solution) Goal is to preserve periodontal ligament Soaking in tap water should be avoided as it will lyse cells of periodontal ligament     If…

Contributor: Jared Scott, MD Educational Pearls: Often present with complaints of sore throat, pain with swallowing, difficulty swallowing, voice change, and possible fever Retrospective study from 2018 evaluated outcomes of peritonsillar abscess with two management arms, surgical vs. non-surgical treatment Non-surgical treatment only included IV fluids as well as IV ceftriaxone + clindamycin; Surgical treatment…

Contributor:  Katie Sprinkel, MD Educational Pearls: Hereditary angioedema (HA) is an autosomal dominant bradykinin-mediated disease affecting the airway, skin or gastrointestinal tract and typically presents with swelling in the absence of pruritus HA episodes last 3-5 days, typically occur first in childhood or adolescence, and decrease in frequency with aging Airway angioedema is the most…

Contributor: Nick Tsipis, MD Educational Pearls: Perichondritis involves infection of not only the connective tissue of the ear but typically the cartilage as well Symptoms include erythema, ear pain, and fevers The most common bacterial cause is Pseudomonas. Perichondritis often occurs after a wound or piercing, but trauma is not necessary for the infection to…

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Carbonated beverages have shown efficacy in helping patients spontaneously pass esophageal food impactions Glucagon, while historically used for treatment, has been shown to have significant side effects without any clinical benefit Definitive treatment is with endoscopy performed typically by a  gastroenterologist References Long B, Koyfman A, Gottlieb M. Esophageal…

Author: Don Stader, MD Educational Pearls: Nasogastric tubes (NGT) are very uncomfortable for all those involved but some simple tricks and tips may help: Topical lidocaine can be inserted into the nasal passage for local analgesia Afrin may help shrink the mucosal tissue of the nasal turbinates as well Molding the tube with cold/ice water…

Contributor:  Dylan Luyten, MD Educational Pearls: Clear the nasal passages – have the patient, if stable, blow their nose to dislodge any clot that might be in the way Searching for the source of bleeding can be tough. Majority of anterior bleeding is from Kesselbach’s plexus Placing a clamp to provide direct pressure is a…