4.5 Respiratory Infection and ENT Flashcards
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are acute infections involving which parts of the body?
Nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea
What are the clinical manifestations of URTIs?
Common cold syndrome (sneezing, mucous, nasal obstruction, nasopharyngeal soreness)
Pharyngitis + tonsillitis (sore throat, pain on swallowing, lymphadenopathy)
Laryngotracheitis (hoarseness, loss of voice, cough)
Otitis media (middle ear infection)
Most common URTIs are caused by viral infection, which is highly contagious, but clears up on its own. What are examples of this?
Rhinovirus
Influenza
Some URTIs are caused by bacterial infections whcih are more dangerous and may require some help to clear up (antibiotics). What are examples of this?
Sinusitis (nasal obstruction with discharge)
Acute = streptococcus pneumonia and haemophilus influenzae
Chronic = anaerobes (porphytomonas)
What are characteristics of otitis media (middle ear infection)?
Common in early childhood
Expoure to cigarete smoke = risk factor
Painful, worse lying down
Fever
Leads to otorrhoea = eardrum ruptures + pus escapes
Can be viral or bacterial, bacterial NEEDS ab
The oral cavity is a resevoir for respiratory pathogens. What does this mean and how does this impact oral health considerations?
Oral pathogens can be aspirated via lung (pneumonia)
Respiratory pathogens can colonise dental plaque
Good OH = reduced respiratory diseases
What is rhinosinusitis and what are its causes?
Inflammation in paranasal sinuses, mucosa, and nasal passages
Causes = colds, allergies, exposure to smoke, chlorinated pools, dental infections
What are the signs / symptoms of rhinosinusitis?
Facial pain / pressure
Nasal obstruction
Postnasal discharge
Fever
Headache
Cough
Toothache (max posterior teeth)
10-12% of maxillary sinusitis has been attributed to odontogenic infections. What is odontogenic maxillary sinusitis?
Bony wall seperating maxillary sinus from roots varies from full absence (membrane only) to a wall of 12mm
Surgical tooth extraction, implant placement, dental abscesses, or periodntal disease can all lead to infections and/or rupture of wall separating max sinus
What are the signs and symptoms of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis?
Unilateral purulent nasal discharge
Unilateral anterior maxillary tenderness
Rhinorrhea / post nasal drip
Foul odour and taste
Headaches
Oroantral communication
Most swallowed objects enter GI tract as epiglottis seals trachea. What are the characteristics of an airway obstruction?
Complete obstruction = choking, inability to speak, distress
Partial obstruction = coughing, gagging, throat clearing
Tends to lodge in righ bronchus (diameter / angle of convergence)
What are tonsils?
Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue
Contain T-cells, macrophages, germinals centres of B-cells
Used for immune acquisition + antigen presentation
Palatine tonsils are physiologically hyperstatic before age 6
What are the characteristics of tonsillitis?
Mostly affects children
Difficulty in breathing + sleeping
Halitosis
Ear pain
What is the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis?
Allergen interacts with IgE exposed mast cells
Mast cells + basophils create histamine
What are the clinical manifestation of allergic rhinitis?
Sneezing, runny + stuffy nose
Itching in nose, throat, and ears
Tearing, itchy eyes, and redness
Most common in children
