Biomedical subjects

R W Altreuter

Publications and source records attributed to R W Altreuter.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1987

Bacterial tracheitis: a resurfacing airway emergency.

Children presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of upper respiratory distress represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. An acute onset associated with fever most often indicates epiglottitis or laryngotracheobronchitis. Presented here is a case of acute bacterial tracheitis, a life-threatening entity that apparently has reemerged recently. Prompt recognition is essential but can be difficult. Historical perspectives, clinical features, and pitfalls in diagnosis and management are discussed.

Child↗

PubMed1987

Nasal trauma.

The nose occupies the center of the face, and its appearance may be more important to us than its function. It is also the chief conduit of the air we breathe, however. It warms, moistens, and cleans that air. It tells us if dinner is going to be good or if the house is on fire. Nasal injuries therefore must be treated with respect. An examination requires good lighting, suction, and a nasal speculum. The two disasters to avoid are delayed referral of a displaced fracture or cartilage, and nontreatment of a septal hematoma.

Emergencies↗

PubMed1986

Facial form and function: films versus physical examination.

Criteria for the use of radiography for facial trauma in the emergency department have not been the subject of any critical reviews. Many recent reviews have been done on the advantages of various radiologic techniques to delineate specific facial injuries, both bony and soft tissue. No prospective study has addressed the criteria for ordering radiographs in the ED. Ideally the criteria would need only to consider the utility of studies in making therapeutic decisions. Unfortunately other considerations are involved, such as cost, medicolegal liability, and the real and imagined risks of radiation exposure. The intelligent use of radiologic examinations must be based on a thorough history and physical examination, a knowledge of the likely bony and soft tissue injuries, and an understanding of their concomitant physical signs and symptoms. In addition, the treating physician must know the options available in the radiology department.

Emergencies↗