Illness's Flashcards
What is Pertussis?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems.
The whooping cough vaccine protects babies and children from getting whooping cough. That’s why it’s important to have all the routine NHS vaccinations.
Has a very distinct sound
The whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of the:
6-in-1 vaccine – for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks
4-in-1 pre-school booster – for children aged 3 years 4 months
If you’re pregnant you should also have the whooping cough vaccine – ideally between 16 and 32 weeks.The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat, and a slightly raised temperature.
Intense coughing bouts start about a week later.
The bouts usually last a few minutes at a time and tend to be more common at night.
Coughing usually brings up thick mucus and may be followed by vomiting.
Between coughs, you or your child may gasp for breath – this may cause a ‘whoop’ sound, although not everyone has this.
The strain of coughing can cause the face to become very red, and there may be some slight bleeding under the skin or in the eyes.
What is Measles and how is it spread?
Measles is a very infectious illness spread by coughs, sneezes, close personal contact or direct contact with infected, nasal or throat secretions.
The earliest signs of measles infection include:
high fever
runny nose
cough
red and watery eyes
small red spots with white centres inside the mouth.
After several days a rash appears - usually on the face and upper neck. This normally lasts between five and six days before fading.
It takes from seven to 18 days (average 10 to 12 days) after exposure for a patient to develop measles infection.
Period of infectivity: a patient is infectious from four days before the onset of rash, to four days afterwards.
Yes, the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). One dose of the vaccine is thought to be 93% effective against measles, with two doses of MMR, 97% effective.
What is Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, if untreated this can progress to Periodontitis. Severe inflammation of the gums that can lead to gum loss and even surgery.
Describe some common kidney complaints.
Cystitis is a common type of UTI, bladder infection particularly in women that can cause stinging on urination, pain in the lower abdomen, increased frequency and dark or smelly urine. It can lead onto Pyelonephritis.
This is a kidney infection that can be chronic or acute. In an acute presentation is severe and can cause permanent damage. The infection usually starts in the lower urinary tract as a UTI.
What is Sarcoidosis?
Inflammation causes lumps/nodules called granulomas to form at various sites in the body. Most commonly in the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest. This is a rare condition.
What is Rhinorrhoea?
Rhinorrhoea is nasal discharge. Common causes being, cold, hay fever and allergies.
What is glue ear?
This is where the middle part of the ear fills with flu like fluid, causing temporary hearing loss, usually clears within three months. Grommets can be fitted to help drain the fluid.
What is Mastoiditis?
This is a SERIOUS ear infection affecting the Mastoid bone behind the ear. Most common in children.
Symptoms include; pain, erythema and swelling behind the ear. Ear discharge, pyrexia, headache and hearing loss.
Most likely to get Mastoiditis if you have a sever ear infection or recurrent ear infections.
Explain what is and when we have a Tetanus jab.
Tetanus is a life threatening condition caused by bacteria. Symptoms start between 4 and 21 days, including, pyrexia, stiff jaw, sweating tachycardia and seizures. The Tetanus immunisation consists of 5 doses,
3 doses as part of 6 in 1 vaccine
booster as part of 4 in 1
final booster as part of 3 in 1
What is Bronchiolitis?
A common chest infection affecting babies and children under two.
Early symptoms are similar to cold, but then may get other symptoms;
tachypnoea
wheezing
irritable
difficulty eating
It is caused by a virus
Consider pneumonia if a fever over 39.0, or persistent focal crackles. Check NICE guidelines.
Describe chicken pox.
Usually affects children but can be any age. A spotty rash is the main symptom
stage 1; red/pink spots anywhere including the mouth.
stage 2; spots become itchy blisters
stage 3; blisters become scabs. there can be a combination of spots at different stages.
There may be pyrexia, loss of appetite and aches and pains.
Stay off school until all the spots have have formed scabs usually 5 days after the the spot appeared.
What is Petechiae? and Purpura?
Petechiae are small purple or red spots resulting from bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes. It is normally benign but can be serious. they are between 1-2mm in size.
the same spots but larger between 2mm and 1cm are called Purpura.
They are generally non-blanching.
What is septic arthritis?
Infection of one or more joints. It is an orthopaedic emergency. Symptoms include, swollen joint that is red, hot, painful and has restricted movement. Pt may have rigors, sweats or fever.
