Sometimes a sore throat seen in the emergency department is just part of the latest virus going around. Other times, it could be the sign of something life-threatening. If you’re seeing multiple patients for run-of-the-mill illnesses, you could miss diagnosing something important in the ears, nose, or throat.

During “Sore Throats That Kill and Other Nightmare ENT Emergencies,” Tracy G. Sanson, MD, FACEP, associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando, will discuss ENT “monsters” that you don’t want to miss diagnosing. “We want to increase the potential for getting the diagnosis right,” Dr. Sanson said.

One common error Dr. Sanson will urge attendees to avoid is treating all sore throats (or other ENT maladies) the same way. For example, if it’s flu season and everyone is presenting with the same symptoms, you could miss that “snake in the grass” of a more severe problem, she said.

Dr. Sanson will address how keeping an open mind about an ENT-related diagnosis makes it less likely that you’ll miss something important. For example, if you’re seeing a patient with a seemingly routine sore throat but their pain seems out of proportion and they have mental status changes, you’ll also want to consider other diagnoses, including Lemierre syndrome, which is a significant infection.

Dr. Sanson also will discuss the importance of using proper personal protection during ENT exams and implementing great lighting to help identify subtler findings.

Tracy G. Sanson, MD, FACEP

Sore Throats That Kill and

Other Nightmare ENT Emergencies
Monday, Oct. 30
10:00-10:25 a.m.
WCC, Ballroom C