Infections V: Common Infections & Their Mangement Flashcards
Describe Impetigo
Cause = break in skin, infection with S.aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes Symptoms = sores (red spots, itchy, develop into blisters, burst forming crusts), swollen glands
What is the treatment for Impetigo?
Small areas of skin = topical fusidic acid, 7 days
Widespread infection = oral flucloxacillin
Describe Cellullitis
Rapidly spreading infection and inflammation of the skin and sub-cutaneous tissue
Symptoms = red skin, hot, swelling, painful
Causes = streptococcus or staphylococcus, damaged skin
How is Cellullitis treated?
High dose flucloxacillin
Describe Conjunctivitis
Can be viral bacterial, allergic
Generally self-limiting
Symptoms = pink/red eyes, discomfort (gritty, itchy), unilateral then bilateral
Describe Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Generally self-limiting
Symptoms = thick, yellow discharge (mucopurulent), discomfort (gritty, itchy), pink/red eyes
How is Bacterial Conjunctivitis treated?
Topical antibiotics (OTC) Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops or 1% ointment
What is the care advice for Bacterial Conjunctivitis?
Bathe and lubricate eyes to prevent spread
What is Otitis?
Inflammation of the ear
Can be outer ear (externa) or inner ear (media)
Describe Otitis Externa
A.k.a ‘Swimmer’s Ear’ as water can increase risk
Cause = mainly bacterial but can be fungal
Symptoms = pain, itchiness, discharge, slight/temporary hearing loss, feel pressure
How is Otitis Externa treated?
Usually clears up with self-help advice (don’t use cotton buds) though can take some time, can use pain relief
May use solutions e.g. clotrimazole (fungal), betamethasone (corticosteroid)
Describe Otitis Media
Most common cause of ear pain in children
Cause = commonly viral, can be bacterial
Symptoms = earache, fever, vomiting, lack of energy, slight hearing loss
How is Otitis Media treated?
Usually self-limiting (3 days)
Can use pain relief
If severe = antibiotics e.g. amoxicillin
Describe Sore Throat
Often viral, but can be bacterial or other causes
Symptoms = pharyngitis (throat inflamed), tonsillitis (tonsils inflamed)
How is Sore Throat treated?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin if needed and also bacterial infection
Can relieve symptoms with painkillers (paracetamol), gargling, fluids
Describe Colds
Upper respiratory tract infection
Self-limiting
Viral - caused by a number of viruses = Rhinovirus, coronavirus
Symptoms = sneezing, sore throat, watery eyes, nasal congestion
How should Colds be managed?
No cure but can treat symptoms
Painkillers = paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin
Decongestants = pseudoephedrine
Care advice
Describe Influenza (flu)
Cause = Influenza virus (A, B, C) Symptoms = fever, cough, headache, tiredness, muscle ache etc
How should Influenza be managed/treated?
Self-limiting in healthy patients
GPs may prescribe antivirals for at risj groups
Vaccine (flu jab) available for at risk groups
Describe Pneumonia
Common infection leading to hospitalisation
Cause = commonly Strep Pneumoniae, typically in at risk groups
Symptoms = cough, breathing difficulties, fever, loss of appetite, feeling unwell, shivering, chest pain etc
What is the treatment for Pneumonia?
Depends on severity, organism and CA or HA Oral antibiotics (home, mild) e.g. amoxicillin IV antibiotics (hospital, severe)
Describe Candidiasis (Thrush)
Very common fungal infection
Symptoms of vaginal thrush = pan, itching, creamy curd-like plaques
What is the treatment for Candidiasis (Thrush)?
Imidazoles:
Clotrimazole = Canesten, topical or pessaries
Fluconazole = oral
What is Tinea
A group of diseases caused by 3 species of filamentous fungi
Includes: athlete’s foot, ringworm
What are the symptoms of Tinea?
Red scaly patch-like lesions
Itchy but rarely painful
Nail discolouration and thickening
Hair loss and scarring
What is clinical diagnosis of Tinea based on?
The site of infection:
- Tinea capitis = head and scalp
- Tinea corporis = trunk legions
- Tinea pedis = Athlete’s foot
What is the treatment for Tinea?
Topical imidazoles e.g. clotrimazole
How should Head Lice be treated?
Dimeticone lotion of liquid
Wet combing mechanical removal
Describe Scabies
A common skin parasite
Treatment = Permethrin
Describe Roundworm
Common where sanitation is poor as human faeces are used as fertiliser
Cause = Ascaris lumbricoides
Symptoms = can be asymptomatic for long periods, may cause pneumonia, enlargement of liver as larval stages travel through the body
Heavy infestation may cause nutritional deficiency
What is the treatment for roundworm?
Mebendazole (Ascarides?)
