(3)
Treatment.
(a) Alternate warm and cool compresses on forehead and cheeks;
keep alternating warm and cool compresses for 10 minutes.
(b) If available, give decongestant, such as Dristan, Contac, or
Sudafed, as directed on package.
(c)
Repeat warm and cool compresses in an hour, as necessary.
(4)
Referral. Refer patient to a physician if:
(a)
Temperature is 101F (38.3) or greater.
(b) Increased severity or intensity of the headache.
(c)
Repeated visit to sick call is within 24 hours with same complaint.
NOTE:
A sinus headache may be a symptom of sinusitis, the inflammation of the
mucous membranes that line the sinuses. Referral is necessary for this
condition.
NOTE:
There are other headaches. However, vascular and sinus headaches are the
most common that will concern you.
2-3.
TOOTHACHES
a. Pain from a toothache may be characterized in many ways, that is, dull and
throbbing, burning, piercing, and sharp. This pain could involve the teeth, obviously, the
bones of the mandible and maxilla (jawbones) that hold the teeth, and the gums and
soft tissue surrounding the tooth, including the nerves, blood vessels, and the
periosteum (covering of the bone).
b. Toothaches can occur, from exposed gum, a missing tooth, pain and/or
bleeding from tooth site, and swelling (edema) of gums with or without a history of
injury.
c. An abscess can also cause great pain. They are characterized by redness,
pain, swelling, warmth, or hardened area along the gum line near the affected tooth.
NOTE:
An abscess is an accumulation of pus in an area where healthy tissue has
been invaded and broken down by bacteria. The pain caused by
inflammation of gum tissues and an accumulation of pus pressing against
adjoining nerves.
MD0 550
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