RTIs Flashcards
(70 cards)
What are the main types of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs)?
Common cold, Pharyngitis, Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, Allergic rhinitis
What are the most common viral causes of the common cold?
Rhinoviruses (30-50%), Coronaviruses (10-15%), Influenza (5-15%), RSV (5%), Parainfluenza (5%)
What are potential complications of the common cold?
Acute rhinosinusitis, Lower RTIs, Asthma exacerbations, Acute otitis media
How long does acute bronchitis typically last?
Usually self-limiting, lasting 1-3 weeks
What is a key diagnostic feature of acute bronchitis?
Clinical diagnosis, cough lasting ~18 days, sometimes preceded by URI symptoms
When should you order a chest X-ray in a patient with acute bronchitis?
Abnormal vital signs, signs of consolidation, mental status changes in elderly, dyspnea, hemoptysis, immunodeficiency
What viral pathogens commonly cause acute bronchitis?
Influenza A/B, Parainfluenza, Coronaviruses, Rhinoviruses, RSV, hMPV
What bacterial pathogens are associated with acute bronchitis?
Bordetella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia
What distinguishes pneumonia from acute bronchitis?
Fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, signs of consolidation, mental status changes
What treatments should be avoided in acute bronchitis and why?
Avoid antibiotics due to viral etiology
When is influenza most prevalent in the northern hemisphere?
October to March, with a peak in December to February
What are the two major types of influenza in humans?
Influenza A and B
What is antigenic drift?
Minor H or N mutations causing immune escape
What is antigenic shift?
Major H or N mutations, resulting in novel viruses and potential pandemics
What are common symptoms of influenza?
Abrupt fever, dry cough, myalgia, GI symptoms in children
Who is at high risk of complications from influenza?
Children <5 (especially <2), adults ≥65, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions
What are possible complications of influenza?
Pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, secondary bacterial infections
What is the first-line antiviral for influenza?
Oseltamivir
When should influenza testing be done?
If it will influence treatment or if the patient is high-risk
What are the common subtypes of Influenza A that infect humans?
H1N1 and H3N2
What is the most common cause of LRTIs in children <1 year?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
What are RSV risk factors in children?
Prematurity, chronic lung or heart disease, immune compromise, daycare, smoke exposure
What are the treatment options for RSV in adults?
Supportive care, ribavirin + IVIG in high-risk immunocompromised patients
What is the seasonality of RSV?
Seasonal spread with winter peaks