Chapter 26 Respiratory Tract Conditions Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the common colds?
Human rhinoviruses – 40-50%
Coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus also causes colds
RNA viruses cause URI when they spread in oral or nasal secretions, stay in cooler upper airways because they prefer temperatures below 37 degrees C
Triggers – aspirin sensitivity, oral contraceptives, topical decongestant abuse, cocaine abuse, nasal polyps, deviated septum allergic conditions
Transmission – droplets or person-to-person contact
Symptoms begin 1-2 days after exposure and last 7-10 days, viral shedding and contagion – 2-3 weeks
What is a sinusitis?
Inflammation of the paranasal sinus caused by a bacterial or viral infection, allergy or environmental factors
Acute – lasting less than 30 days
Subacute – lasting 3 weeks to 2 months
Chronic – longer than 2 months
Trigger – obstruction of the passageway between the sinuses because of local mucosal swelling (URI, allergy, trauma) and insult or by mechanical obstruction (deviated septum, concha bullosa, nasal masses)
S/S – sinus infection suspected when cold symptoms last for longer than 7-10 days or if cold symptoms improve but then worsen, nasal congestion, facial pain, pressure over sinuses
What is pharyngitis?
Caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of the pharynx leading to a sore throat
Common cold, flu, strep, diptheria, herpes simplex, gonococcal, chlamydia
Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat) lead to scarlet fever, rheumatic fever/heart disease
Late winter early spring
S/S – throat appears dark red and tonsils red and swollen, pus discharge, pain aggravated by swallowing
What is laryngitis?
Tissues inferior to the epiglottis are swollen and inflamed leading to swelling around the vocal cords so that they cannot vibrate normally resulting in hoarseness of the voice
Occurs during URI, direct trauma to throat, GERD, allergies, cigarette smoke, irritation of vocal cords
S/S – weak, hoarse, gravelly voice, sore throat, fever, cough, tickling in back of throat, difficulty swallowing
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsils become inflamed and acute/chronically infected
Caused by bacterial streptococcal infection but may result from viral infections
All forms contagious
S/S – inflamed/enlarged tonsils, fever, painful swallowing, sore throat, slight change in voice, white specks on tonsils
Management – acute antibiotics, chronic surgical remove tonsils
What is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes that affects 10-20 % of children and adults
Seasonal – hay fever – pollen or fungal spores, perennial – all year round – food, dust, animal emanations
What is bronchitis?
Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the tracheobronchial tree
Infection or inhaled particles and substances and may be acute or chronic (COPD)
Causes – viruses, and bacteria
S/S – acute = bronchial swelling, mucous secretion, resistance to expiration, coughing, wheezing, chronic = cough for at least 3 months in 2 years, increased airway obstruction, heart failure, cellular changes, cyanosis, edema, high levels of CO2
What is bronchial asthma?
Caused by constriction of bronchial smooth muscles (bronchospasm), increased bronchial secretions and mucosal swelling all leading to an inadequate airflow during respiration
Intermittent (short duration, less than 5 days per month), seasonal (allergens) or chronic (daily with absence of extended symptom free periods)
What is exercise-induced bronchospasm?
Common in the form of a reaction 3-12 minutes after exercise is completed
Factors – ambient air conditions, duration, type, intensity of exercise, allergen exposure, poor conditioning, respiratory infections
Mechanism remains unclear
Rise in osmolarity in the respiratory tract resulting in air passage narrowing
Greater ventilations and strenuous activity – greater the EIB
Refractory period – 30 mins to 4 hours after exercise begins – exercise longer
Final phase like first phase but less severe
What is influenza?
Viral bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenza type A, B or C
Immunization available for high risk individuals
S/S – high fever, chills, malaise, headache, muscle aches
What is pneumonia?
Inflammation and infection of the lungs that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas or other agents such as fungi or chemicals
