Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Question 1

Describe the clinical presentation of tonsillitis/pharyngitis

Answer 1

• Viral or bacterial: most common bac. is Strep.
• Throat swab
• Sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing
• Penicillin 10 days
• Don’t give amoxicillin: rash

Question 2

Describe the clinical presentation of the common cold

Answer 2

• Sore throat
• Runny of blocked nose
• Headaches
• Cough
• Malaise

Question 3

Describe the clinical presentation of glandular fever

Answer 3

• Epstein-Barr virus
• 5-7 day incubation
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Question 4

In what circumstances should antibiotic treatment be offered for otitis media?

Answer 4

• Severe uni- and bilateral >6 months, severe pain >48 hours
• Non-severe bilateral 6-23 months
• OM in older children?

Question 5

Describe the clinical presentation of sinusitis

Answer 5

• Self-limiting
• Pain
• Purulent discharge from nose
• Blocked nose
• Distubances of sense of smell

Question 6

Define the common organisms causing upper respiratory infection

Answer 6

• Streptococcus (tonsilliti/pharyngitis)

- Pneumococcus/Haemophilus influenzae (otitis media)

Question 7

Define coryza

Answer 7

A catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose.
e.g. croup, cold, hay fever

Question 8

Define catarrh

Answer 8

A build-up of mucous in an airway or cavity in the body.