Chapter 31: Respiratory Tract Infections

Question 1

Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)

Answer 1

Most common respiratory tract infection
Most common virus = rhinovirus
Children under 3 are susceptible to RSV

Question 2

Causes of Nonviral Rhinitis

Answer 2

Allergic - hay fever
Vasomotor - rhinitis medicamentosa
Mechanical - deviated septum, polyp, foreign body
Hormonal - pregnancy, oral contraceptives

Question 3

Rhinitis Medicamentosa

Answer 3

Rebound nasal congestion caused by prolonged use of nasal decongestants

Question 4

Transmission of Viral Rhinitis

Answer 4

nasal mucosa and conjucntival surface of the eyes

contact and droplet

Question 5

Clinical Manifestations of Viral Rhinitis

Answer 5

Initially beings with dryness and congestion
Rhinorrhea (thin watery nasal secretions)
Watery eyes
Coughing, sneezing, itching, redness
Postnasal drip = sore throat
Headache

Question 6

_______ is mainly self-limiting, lasting 1 to 2 weeks.

Answer 6

Viral Rhinitis

Question 7

Medications for Rhinitis

Answer 7

NSAIDs
Antihistamine (for allergic rhinitis)
Decongestants - alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
Vitamin C can shorten duration

Question 8

Rhinosinusitis

Answer 8

inflammation/infection that involves the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity

Question 9

Most common causes of rhinosinusitis are:

Answer 9

those that obstruct the narrow ostia that drain the sinuses
frequently follows a virla URI or allergic rhinitis
changes in barometric pressure can impair sinus ventilation and secretion clearance

Question 10

Classifications of Rhinosinusitis:

Duration of Symptoms

Answer 10

Acute = < 1 month (usually viral, bacterial, or both)
Chronic = > 3 months (usually bacterial or fungal)

Question 11

Classifications of Rhinosinusitis:

Bacterial

Answer 11

Chronic = S. aureus
Acute = H. influenza and streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 12

Classifications of Rhinosinusitis:

Viral and Fungal

Answer 12

Viral = usually resolves in week
Fungal = may see a fungal ball

Question 13

Clinical Manifestations of Acute Sinusitis

Answer 13

Mucopurulent drainage
Facial pain/ pressure
Fever
Headache
Hyposmia: decreased sense of smell

Question 14

Clinical Manifestations of Chronic Sinusitis

Answer 14

Mucosal changes
Sinus pressure with nasal congestion
Constant dull headache
Ear fullnes
Loss of taste and smell (ageusia and anosmia)
Unpleasant breath

Question 15

What makes sinus headaches worse?

Answer 15

leaning over, coughing, sneezing

increases in pressure

Question 16

How long should one take decongestants?

Answer 16

should only be taken for 3 to 5 days

can cause rebound congestion

Question 17

Complications of Chronic Sinusitis (5)

Answer 17

1) Osteomyelitis
2) Meningitis
3) Abnormal ocular movements
4) Epidural abscess
5) Orbital cellulitis (can lead to subperiosteal abscess)

Question 18

Influenza

Answer 18

viral infection of the epithelial cells of the airway

transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets

Question 19

Which flu type causes the most severe disease?

Answer 19

Flu A