(10-26) Respiratory Infections Flashcards
1. Outline the functions of the upper respiratory tract. 2. Describe the mucociliary escalator. 3. List the parts of the respiratory system that are normally free of bacterial flora. 4. Describe the important opportunistic pathogen that commonly inhabits the nose. 5. List the cause, major characteristics and modes of transmission for the following diseases: Streptococcal pharyngitis, Common cold, Pneumococcal pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Influenza 6. Name the reservoirs for infectious microorga
Which area of the body warms and moistens incoming air?
The Upper Respiratory System
What connects the middle ear, sinuses, eyes, and nasal cavity?
Tubes
Describe the action of the Mucociliary Escalator.
Microorganisms get caught in goblet-formed mucus and moved up by the beating cilia. They can then be disposed of by expulsion or stomach acid.
What is Pneumonitis?
Pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is the filling of alveoli with pus and fluid.
List 5 Bacterial Infections of the Upper Respiratory System
- Strep throat
- Diptheria
- Pinkeye
- Otitis media
- Sinus infections
List 4 Bacterial Infections of the Lower Respiratory System.
- Pneumonia (various)
- Whooping cough
- Tuberculosis
- Legionnaires’ Disease
Streptococcal Pharyngitis is also known as what?
Strep Throat
What are the symptoms of Streptococcal Pharyngitis?
- pain
- difficulty swallowing
- fever
- enlarged, tender lymph nodes in neck
Streptococcal Pharyngitis is caused by which bacterium?
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)
Which vaccine prevents Streptococcal Pharyngitis?
No vaccine is available.
How can Streptococcal Pharyngitis be prevented?
- Adequate ventilation
2. Avoid crowds
Why should sore throats in the presence of fever be cultured for prompt treatment?
There is a chance of complications of infection.
Name 3 diseases that can be complications of sore throats with fevers.
- Scarlet fever
- Acute rheumatic fever
- Acute glomerulonephritis
What is the treatment for confirmed strep throat?
10 days of antibiotics
~ penicillin or erythromycin
Name 2 viral infections of the upper respiratory system.
- Common cold (rhinoviruses)
2. Sore throat caused by adenoviruses
Name 4 viral infections of the upper respiratory system.
- Influenza
- Viral pneumonia (SARS)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
How many serotypes of rhinovirus are there?
More than 100
How many viruses cause colds and what percentage is caused by rhinovirus?
- Dozen types of virus cause cold
2. 30%-50% caused by rhinovirus
Rhinoviruses attach to specific receptors on ____________ and multiply in cells, releasing ________.
- respiratory epithelial cells
2. large number of viruses
What causes the symptoms associated with the common cold?
Injured cells cause inflammation which stimulates profuse nasal secretion, sneezing and tissue swelling
How is a rhinovirus infection stopped?
Infection is halted by immune response
~ infection can extend to ears or sinuses before stopping
Why isn’t there a vaccine for the common cold?
Too many different types of rhinovirus makes vaccination impractical.
How can rhinovirus infections be prevented?
- No vaccination
- Hand washing
- Keep hands away from face
- Avoid crowds during times when colds are prevalent
How does treatment affect the common cold?
- Antibiotic therapy is ineffectual
2. Treatment with over-the-counter medications may prolong duration due to inhibition of inflammation.
When are high concentrations of rhinovirus found in nasal secretions?
During first 2 or 3 days of a cold
Why do young children transmit cold virus easily?
Lack of good hygiene