Rti Flashcards
(61 cards)
What are common organisms causing respiratory tract infections?
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Beta haemolytic)
- Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- Bordetella pertussis
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
- Covid–19 Virus
- Influenza Virus
- Parainfluenza Virus
- Candida albicans
- Histoplasma capsulatum
- Paragonimus westermani
This list includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites responsible for respiratory infections.
What are the common upper respiratory tract infections?
- Common cold / Coryza
- Covid-19
- Influenza / Flu
- Acute tonsillitis
- Acute pharyngitis (Sore Throat)
- Acute otitis media
- Acute sinusitis
URI includes various infections that affect the upper respiratory system.
What are the causative organisms of the common cold?
- Rhinovirus
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus
These viruses are prevalent in both adults and children and cause symptoms like fatigue and nasal congestion.
What are the most common symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms beyond respiratory issues.
What is the primary laboratory diagnosis method for COVID-19?
PCR / RT PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swab
This method is crucial for identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
What treatment has been shown to decrease mortality in COVID-19 patients?
Dexamethasone
Recent trials indicate that dexamethasone can be effective in reducing mortality rates among severe cases.
What preventative measures are recommended for COVID-19?
- Face masks
- N95 respirators
- Physical social distancing
- Hand washing / sanitizer
- Travel restrictions
- Isolation of patients
- Quarantine of exposed people
- PPE for healthcare workers
These measures are critical in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
What types of vaccines are available for COVID-19?
- RNA Vaccine: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech
- Adenovirus Vector Vaccine: Astra Zeneca / Covishild, Sputnik V
- Inactivated Virus Vaccine: Covaxin, Sinovac / CoronaVac
Different types of vaccines have been developed to combat COVID-19.
What are the major causes of influenza?
- Influenza virus (80%)
- Parainfluenza virus (2-9%)
- Adenovirus (4%)
Influenza can lead to severe respiratory illness and is highly contagious.
What are the features of influenza?
- Sudden onset after 12-24 hours incubation
- General weakness & fatigue
- Fever (up to 39-40°C)
- Severe back, muscle, and joint pain
Influenza symptoms can be severe and occur quickly after exposure.
What is the primary laboratory test for diagnosing influenza?
Real time RT PCR
This molecular method detects viral RNA and is crucial for laboratory diagnosis.
What are common causes of acute otitis media?
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (30%)
- Haemophilus influenzae (20%)
- Moraxella catarrhalis (15%)
- Streptococcus pyogenes (3%)
- Staphylococcus aureus (2%)
These bacteria are responsible for most cases of acute otitis media.
What are the typical symptoms of acute sinusitis?
- Headache
- Facial congestion
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nose obstruction
- Purulent secretions
- Sensitivity over the sinuses
These symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life.
What is the main treatment for acute sinusitis?
- Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin / Clavulonate (Augmentin)
- Azithromycin
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for bacterial sinusitis.
What are the common organisms causing tonsillitis and pharyngitis?
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Adenovirus
- Influenza A, B
- Respiratory syncytial virus
These pathogens can lead to significant throat infections.
What laboratory test is useful for diagnosing Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?
Monospot test
This test detects heterophile antibodies indicative of EBV infection.
What is the primary treatment for infectious mononucleosis caused by EBV?
Supportive treatment with analgesics
Acyclovir may be used in severe cases.
What are the major causes of lower respiratory tract infections?
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Various viruses
Lower respiratory tract infections can be caused by both bacterial and viral pathogens.
What is the incubation period for influenza?
18-72 hours
This period is the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms.
What are the features of laryngitis?
- Inflammation of the larynx
- Often viral
- Can lead to croup
- Symptoms include hoarseness and difficulty breathing
Laryngitis can occur in children and may present serious complications.
What is laryngitis?
Inflammation of the voice box, or larynx, often viral.
What are the dangerous forms of laryngitis that can occur in children?
Croup, Epiglottitis
What is Croup?
Breathing difficulty accompanied by a ‘barking’ cough, swelling around the vocal cords, common in infants and children (1-4 years).
What viruses are commonly associated with Croup?
- Parainfluenza viruses (75% of the time) * Influenza viruses * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) * Adenovirus
