Final answer:
The stage of disease when general signs and symptoms appear is the initial stage. Patients over 40 should routinely check for glaucoma, and acetazolamide can be used for treatment. Hospitalized patients may require aggressive interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage of disease during which the patient begins to present general signs and symptoms is referred to as the initial or prodromal stage. In the context of glaucoma, patients over 40 years of age are at the greatest risk. Routine testing of intraocular pressure is recommended to detect potential excess pressures that can lead to the condition. Noncontact methods such as the puff of air test can indicate high intraocular pressures by measuring the force needed to indent the eye. Additionally, medications like 'acetazolamide', which inhibits carbonic anhydrase, can be used to treat glaucoma by reducing fluid accumulation in the eye.
Prompt treatment is critical for conditions like glaucoma to prevent progression and potential blindness. During hospital admission, the patient's condition, including the infection and inflammation, can progress despite interventions like antibiotics and may require more aggressive treatments such as surgery or specialized medications.