Respiratory Flashcards
(138 cards)
what is coryza
acute viral infection of the nasal passages; highly infectious due to rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and
adenoviruses. Spread via droplets, facilitated by overcrowding and poor ventilation.
symptoms of coryza
watery nasal discharge mild pyrexia malaise sneezing tiredness sore nose and throat
complications of coryza
sinusitis
acute bronchitis
secondary infection
otitis media
treatments of coryza
bed rest
fluids
isolation
herbal extracts
what is sinusitis
bacterial/fungal infection of paranasal sinuses, usually preceded by coryza. Can occur with asthma.
symptoms of sinusitis
frontal headache, facial pain
purulent rhinorrhoea
fever
can be split into:
Acute: 1 week – 1 month
Subacute: 1-3 months
Chronic: >3 months
investigations for sinusitis
CT of paranasal sinuses, MRI to demonstrate bony landmarks
treatment of sinusitis
Nasal decongestants (xylometazoline)
Broad-spectrum antibiotics (co-amoxiclav)
Topical corticosteroid
(fluticasone propionate nasal spray)
FESS for ventilation and drainage
what is rhinitis
Sneezing attacks, nasal blockage/discharge occurring >1hr on most days.
can be split into seasonal and perennial
what is seasonal rhinitis
Limited period of the year; “hay-fever” but not restricted to grass pollen.
Intermittent rhinitis
symptoms of seasonal rhinits
Nasal irritation, rhinorrhoea, sneezing
Itchy eyes and ears
Irritated soft palate
Wheeze
what is perennial rhinitis
Throughout the whole year
Split into:
Allergic: caused by faeces of dust mites; cats; industrial dust and fumes.
Non-allergic: no identifiable stimulus, but eosinophilic granulocytes are present in secretions.
symptoms of perennial rhinitis
Nasal blockage, rhinorrhoea
Loss of smell and taste
treatment of general rhinits
Antihistamines (loratidine, cetirizine)
Topical corticosteroids (beclometasone, fluticasone propionate)
CysLT antagonist (montelukast)
Anti-inflammatory (sodium
cromoglicate)
what is pharyngitis
Endemic adenovirus infection, causing reddened oropharynx and soft palate and inflamed tonsils.
symptoms of pharyngitis
Sore throat
Tonsillar lymph nodes enlargement
Localised endemics of fever and
conjunctivitis
treatment of pharyngitis
phenoxymethylpenicillin or cefaclor if severe
what is acute laryngotracheobronchitis
Occasional complication of URTIs, particularly those caused by parainfluenza viruses and measles.
Most severe in children < 3yrs. Inflammatory oedema usually present which can spread to vocal cords.
symptoms of acute laryngotracheobronchitis
Hoarseness Barking cough (croup) Stridor Progressive airway obstruction
treatment of acute laryngotracheobronchitis
Nebulised adrenaline
Oral/IM corticosteroids (dexamethasone)
Oxygen and adequate fluids
Tracheostomy (rare!)
what is acute epiglottitis
Life-threatening airway obstruction in children aged 2-7yrs caused by H. influenzae.
symptoms of acute epiglottits
severe airflow obstruction
high fever
complications of acute epiglottitis
mostly of H. influenzae meningitis diptheria osteomyelitis septic arthritis
treatment of acute epiglottitis
Urgent endotracheal intubation
IV antibiotics (ceftazidime, ceftriaxone)
Prevention vaccine given to infants
Do NOT inspect epiglottis until airway is
patent