Exam 2 - Upper Respiratory Infections

Question 1

simple (acute) bronchitis

Answer 1

• inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles
• etiology: bacterial or viral infection
• NO AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION
• presentation: usually mild and self-limited/requires only supportive care
• prognosis: good, usually better in 3-4 weeks

Question 2

chronic bronchitis

Answer 2

• bronchitis for 3 months out of the year for at least 2 years
• etiology: cigarettes
• • AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION = a form of COPD
• presentation: may have acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• prognosis: premature morbidity and mortality

Question 3

clinical symptoms of acute bronchitis

Answer 3

• often begins as a common cold
• sore throat (pharyngeal erythema)
• nasal discharge (rhinorrhea)
• muscle aches
• PERSISTENT COUGH (can last 3 weeks)
• wheezing in severe cases
• sputum production in most patients
• enlarged lymph nodes

Question 4

diagnosis of acute bronchitis

Answer 4

• based mostly on symptoms and physical assessment
• CBC to distinguish bacterial from viral infection

Question 5

treatment of acute bronchitis

Answer 5

• broad spectrum antibiotics for bacterial infection
• expectorants
• cough suppressants

Question 6

histamines

Answer 6

• stored in mast cells (skin and soft tissue) and the basophils (blood)

Question 7

what can histamines cause when activated

Answer 7

• hives and itching
• dilation of blood vessels resulting in erythema and hypotension
• bronchoconstriction - shortness of air
• affect sleep/wake cycles
• increase the secretion of acid in the stomach

Question 8

what causes the majority of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions

Answer 8

• histamine

Question 9

what is allergic rhinitis

Answer 9

• inflammatory disorder

Question 10

clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis

Answer 10

• sneezing
• rhinorrhea
• pruritis
• nasal congestion
• watery, itchy eyes

Question 11

how is allergic rhinitis triggered

Answer 11

• by allergens
• bind to IgE antibodies on mast cells and release inflammatory mediators

Question 12

what are some environmental triggers for allergic rhinitis

Answer 12

• dust mites
• mold

Question 13

acute sinusitis

Answer 13

• an infection of the facial sinuses and membranes of the nose
• inflammation causes the sinus cavity to become obstructed by fluid accumulation and edema allowing for bacterial growth and infection

Question 14

etiology: acute sinusitis

Answer 14

• may accompany an URI, nasal polyps, deviated septum or allergic reaction
• viral duration is 5-7 days
• bacterial duration is up to 4 weeks

Question 15

side effects for acute sinusitis

Answer 15

• h/a
• facial pain or pressure over sinus area
• nasal obstruction
• fatigue

Question 16

treatment for acute sinusitis

Answer 16

• antibiotics
• decongestants
• antihistamines
• mucolytic agents to decrease secretions

Question 17

epiglottitis clinical diagnosis

Answer 17

• inspiratory stridor and retractions
• rapid onset of fever
• pain
• difficulty swallowing
• drooling
• ABSENCE OF BARKING COUGH DIFFERENTIATES FROM CROUP

Question 18

epiglottis

Answer 18

• rare, but life-threatening infection
• causes sudden swelling of the epiglottis
• without treatment, the epiglottis can become so large that it blocks the windpipe, making it hard to breath
• can be fatal

Question 19

symptoms of epiglottis

Answer 19

• drooling and difficulty managing saliva in the mouth
• severe sudden sore throat
• stridor
• SOA especially when laying down
• muffled voice

Question 20

what is a bronchospasm

Answer 20

• sudden constriction of the bronchial muscles making breathing difficult