Chapter 21: respiratory System Infections - Diptheria, Pertussis, Sinus Flashcards
What bacteria causes Diphtheria?
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
What are the symptoms of Diphtheria? (3)
- mild sore throat
- extreme fatigue
- malaise
How does diphtheria arise in the body?
- produces the diphtheria toxin (cytotoxin)
- destroys cells in the respiratory tract
- pseudomembrane forms on the tonsils and throat
What complications can arise from diphtheria? (3)
- because of pseudomembrane, it can cause suffocation
- toxin can be released into the blood
- this can lead to heart and kidney failure
How can we treat diphtheria? (2)
- antibiotics only stop the infection from spreading, but they do not work against the toxin
- anti-toxin can be administered - passive immunization
How can diphtheria be prevented?
- toxoid vaccine (part of DTaP)
What is pertussis commonly known as?
whooping cough
What bacteria causes pertussis?
Bordetella pertussis
What symptoms arise in the first stage of pertussis?
cold-like symptoms
What occurs in the second stage of pertussis? (3)
- bacterium produces a cytotoxin that kills ciliated cells in the airway
- prevents the movement of mucous
- results in violent coughs
How is pertussis treated?
- antibiotics are only effective during the first stage
How can pertussis be prevented? (2)
- effective vaccination as part od DTaP
- but immunity fades, so booster every 10 years
What can pinkeye, earaches, and sinus infections be caused by?
- bacteria or viruses
What is conjunctivitis?
- infection of the eye surface
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis? (2)
- red, itchy eyes
- swelling and pus when bacteria are responsible
What is Otitis media? (3)
- infection of the middle ear
- most common in young children
- severe earache
What is sinusitis?
- infection of sinuses
What are the symptoms of sinusitis? (2)
- facial pain and pressure
- thick green nasal discharge
What treatment would be used for conjunctivitis and sinusitis? (2)
- IF caused by bacteria, administer antibiotics
- IF caused by viral infections, there is no effective treatment, so just treat the symptoms
How would you treat Otitis media? (2)
- antibiotics are rarely effective
- i guess if it is viral, treat the symptom as there is no effective treatment
