Respiratory Pathologies Flashcards
(103 cards)
Define Rhinitis
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa
What happens in Rhinitis
Inflammation leads to swelling and an increase in volume and viscosity of nasal secretions (mucous)
What are the 3 causes of Rhinitis
Immune compromise - leading to viral/bacterial/fungal infections i.e due to emotional stress medications diet etc
Allergic Rhinitis - true allergic response to the likes of pollen. We create antibodies in response to an allergic reaction, these antibodies are called IgE (Immunoglobin) which stimulates mast cells to secrete Histamine
Non Allergic Rhinitis - associated with environment, lifestyle diet drugs such as NSAID’s, stress
What are the main signs and symptoms of Rhinitis
Itchy runny nose, stuffy nose, loss of smell and sneezing
What are the complications of Rhinitis
Nasal Polyps, ear infections and loss of smell
What is the Allopathic treatment for Rhinitis
Steroid nasal sprays, decongestants and Anti histamines
Define the common cold
Infection of the upper respiratory tract
Who tends to become infected with the common cold
Those with low immunity
What are the signs and symptoms of the common cold
signs - gradual onset lasting between 2-7 days
Symptoms - Rhinorrhoea - runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and mild fever
What is the Allopathic treatment for a common cold
Painkillers decongestants
What is the differences between the common cold and influenza in the following:
Onset
Symptom distribution
Duration
Cause
Headache
Runny nose
Complications
- Cold = gradual Flu - Rapid
- Cold = localised upper Respiratory Tract Flu - Systemic body/joint aches
- Cold = 2 -7 days Flu - 7-14
- Cold = Rhinovirus Flu - influenza virus
- Cold = Rare Flu - Common
- Cold = Common Flu - Sometimes
- Cold = Less Likely Flu - more serious
Define Influenza
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease, associated with various strains of the flu virus
What is the incubation period for flu
1-4 days from exposure and first symptoms
How are the symptoms of flu different to a common cold
Symptoms tend to be systemic more severe and last for longer
What are the signs and symptoms of Influenza
Sudden onset: Fever and shivering, malaise, muscle and joint pain, rhinitis, sore throat
What is the allopathic treatment for Influenza
Antiviral drugs - reduces viral shredding needs to be taken within 48 hours poor effectiveness.
Antibiotics - to prevent secondary bacterial infection (adverse effects - lowered immunity, thrush diarrhoea and poor digestion.
Flu vaccine
What are the 4 Flu complications
Secondary infections - while the immune system is already depleted.
Chronic fatigue syndrome - post viral syndrome following a compromised immune system.
Morbidity/mortality
Pigs - mixing reservoirs as they can host both human and non human viruses potentially allowing the mixing of viral genes creating new viruses.
Define Sinusitis
It is inflammation of the membranous lining of one or more of the sinuses known as Rhinosinusitis.
Is sinusitis acute or chronic
It can be acute or chronic if chronic would be more than 3 months
What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis
Pain in the affected sinus and congestion
Headache
fever, reduced resonance in voice, reduced smell nasal drip
What is the allopathic treatment for sinusitis
Decongestants and painkillers
What is the name given to swelling with fluid
Oedematous - Odema 2
Define nasal Polyps
Nasal Polyps are soft benign masses of oedematous nasal mucosa
What are the causes of Polyps
The end result of chronic inflammation from a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.
Allergies: Chronic Rhinitis