Infections V: Common Infections & Their Mangement

Question 1

Describe Impetigo

Answer 1

Cause = break in skin, infection with S.aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
Symptoms = sores (red spots, itchy, develop into blisters, burst forming crusts), swollen glands

Question 2

What is the treatment for Impetigo?

Answer 2

Small areas of skin = topical fusidic acid, 7 days

Widespread infection = oral flucloxacillin

Question 3

Describe Cellullitis

Answer 3

Rapidly spreading infection and inflammation of the skin and sub-cutaneous tissue
Symptoms = red skin, hot, swelling, painful
Causes = streptococcus or staphylococcus, damaged skin

Question 4

How is Cellullitis treated?

Answer 4

High dose flucloxacillin

Question 5

Describe Conjunctivitis

Answer 5

Can be viral bacterial, allergic
Generally self-limiting
Symptoms = pink/red eyes, discomfort (gritty, itchy), unilateral then bilateral

Question 6

Describe Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Answer 6

Generally self-limiting

Symptoms = thick, yellow discharge (mucopurulent), discomfort (gritty, itchy), pink/red eyes

Question 7

How is Bacterial Conjunctivitis treated?

Answer 7

Topical antibiotics (OTC)
Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops or 1% ointment

Question 8

What is the care advice for Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Answer 8

Bathe and lubricate eyes to prevent spread

Question 9

What is Otitis?

Answer 9

Inflammation of the ear

Can be outer ear (externa) or inner ear (media)

Question 10

Describe Otitis Externa

Answer 10

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

Question 11

How is Otitis Externa treated?

Answer 11

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)

Question 12

Describe Otitis Media

Answer 12

Most common cause of ear pain in children
Cause = commonly viral, can be bacterial
Symptoms = earache, fever, vomiting, lack of energy, slight hearing loss

Question 13

How is Otitis Media treated?

Answer 13

Usually self-limiting (3 days)
Can use pain relief
If severe = antibiotics e.g. amoxicillin

Question 14

Describe Sore Throat

Answer 14

Often viral, but can be bacterial or other causes

Symptoms = pharyngitis (throat inflamed), tonsillitis (tonsils inflamed)

Question 15

How is Sore Throat treated?

Answer 15

Phenoxymethylpenicillin if needed and also bacterial infection
Can relieve symptoms with painkillers (paracetamol), gargling, fluids

Question 16

Describe Colds

Answer 16

Upper respiratory tract infection
Self-limiting
Viral - caused by a number of viruses = Rhinovirus, coronavirus
Symptoms = sneezing, sore throat, watery eyes, nasal congestion

Question 17

How should Colds be managed?

Answer 17

No cure but can treat symptoms
Painkillers = paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin
Decongestants = pseudoephedrine
Care advice

Question 18

Describe Influenza (flu)

Answer 18

Cause = Influenza virus (A, B, C)
Symptoms = fever, cough, headache, tiredness, muscle ache etc

Question 19

How should Influenza be managed/treated?

Answer 19

Self-limiting in healthy patients
GPs may prescribe antivirals for at risj groups
Vaccine (flu jab) available for at risk groups

Question 20

Describe Pneumonia

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What is the treatment for Pneumonia?

Answer 21

Depends on severity, organism and CA or HA
Oral antibiotics (home, mild) e.g. amoxicillin
IV antibiotics (hospital, severe)

Question 22

Describe Candidiasis (Thrush)

Answer 22

Very common fungal infection

Symptoms of vaginal thrush = pan, itching, creamy curd-like plaques

Question 23

What is the treatment for Candidiasis (Thrush)?

Answer 23

Imidazoles:
Clotrimazole = Canesten, topical or pessaries
Fluconazole = oral

Question 24

What is Tinea

Answer 24

A group of diseases caused by 3 species of filamentous fungi

Includes: athlete’s foot, ringworm

Question 25

What are the symptoms of Tinea?

Answer 25

Red scaly patch-like lesions
Itchy but rarely painful
Nail discolouration and thickening
Hair loss and scarring

Question 26

What is clinical diagnosis of Tinea based on?

Answer 26

The site of infection:

• Tinea capitis = head and scalp
• Tinea corporis = trunk legions
• Tinea pedis = Athlete’s foot

Question 27

What is the treatment for Tinea?

Answer 27

Topical imidazoles e.g. clotrimazole

Question 28

How should Head Lice be treated?

Answer 28

Dimeticone lotion of liquid

Wet combing mechanical removal

Question 29

Describe Scabies

Answer 29

A common skin parasite

Treatment = Permethrin

Question 30

Describe Roundworm

Answer 30

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

Question 31

What is the treatment for roundworm?

Answer 31

Mebendazole (Ascarides?)