Chapter 21: Diseases of the Respiratory System

Question 1

Upper respiratory Tract

Answer 1

throat, sinuses, lots of normal microflora, anything above lungs
- goal is to trap and prevent pathogens from traveling to the lungs

Question 2

Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)

Answer 2

Causative agent: S pyogenes (Group A and B hemolytic bacteria = very virulent)
Characteristics: usually children, highly contagious, passed in respiratory drops
Signs/symptoms: sore throat, fever, white pus filled pockets on tonsils
Treatment: Antibiotics

Question 3

Laryngitis

Answer 3

Causative agent: Haemophilus influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae
- inflamed larynx or voice box

Question 4

Epiglottitis

Answer 4

Causative agent: Haemophilus influenza

- inflamed epiglottis

Question 5

Sinusitis

Answer 5

Causative agent: Haemophilus influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae
- inflamed sinus cavity
Symptoms: headache, pressure, fever

Question 6

Bronchitis

Answer 6

Causative agent: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae
Characteristics: inflammation of bronchi or bronchioles
Signs/Symptoms: productive cough (sputum)
Treatment: antibiotics
- can become chronic

Question 7

Chronic Bronchitis

Answer 7

• productive cough for 3 consecutive months for at least 2 years in a row
• permanent tissue damage, breathing problems
• risk factors: smoking, pollution

Question 8

Diphtheria

Answer 8

Causative agent: Corynebacterium diphtheriae (G-, toxin former)
Characteristics: causes “pseudo- membrane,” which is a white/gray membrane to cover soft palate/uvula
Treatment: antibiotic, antitoxin
Prevention: DTaP (diphtheria, tuberculosis and pertussis)

Question 9

Otitis Externa infection

Answer 9

Causative agent: S aureus, P aeru
Characteristics: outer ear
- “swimmers ear”

Question 10

Otitis Media (OME)

Answer 10

Causative agent: Haemophilus influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae, S pyogenes
Characteristics: common in kids (shorter, more horizontal tubes), middle ear
Treatment: tubes put in ear to release fluid

Question 11

Common Cold

Answer 11

Causative agent: Viruses: hinoviruses (rhinitis) or coronaviruses (coronitis)
Characteristics: lose time at work, school, secondary infections
Signs/Symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat

Question 12

Whopping cough (Pertussis)

Answer 12

Causative agent: Bordella pertussis
Characteristics: highly contagious, passed in respiratory droplets, mainly affects kids
Signs/Symptoms: cold like symptoms, followed by paroxysmal coughing fits
Treatment: antitoxin, antibiotic, airway support

Question 13

Classic pneumonia

Answer 13

Causative agent: Streptococcus pneumonia
Characteristics: inflammation of lungs (~45000 deaths/yr in US)
Signs/Symptoms: high fever, painful productive cough with sputum/blood, fluid in lungs
Treatment: antibiotics, keep airways open

Question 14

Walking pneumonia

Answer 14

Causative agent: Mycoplasma pneumonia
Characteristics: droplet transmission
Signs/Symptoms: mild
Treatment: antibiotics

Question 15

Tuberculosis

Answer 15

Causative agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Characteristics: ingestion, bacteria divides inside blood cells that consume it
Signs/Symptoms: lesions in lungs, fluid, can cause granulomas or tubercles
Treatment: vaccine (ish)

Question 16

Influenza

Answer 16

Causative agent: orthomyxoviruses
Characteristics: A, B, and C viruses
Signs/Symptoms: flu
Treatment: rest