Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Flashcards
What are the types of Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI)?
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Viral upper respiratory tract infections
What are the main types of lower respiratory tract infections?
• Pneumonia
• Acute Bronchitis
• Bronchiolitis
What is acute bronchitis?
Type of chest infection, inflammation of trachea and major bronchi with sputum production
What is the typical duration for acute bronchitis?
Usually resolves within 3 weeks
What is the most common cause of acute bronchitis?
Often viral
What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Wheeze
• Rhinorrhoea
What are the signs of acute bronchitis?
• Low-grade fever
• Wheeze
What is the typical investigation method for acute bronchitis?
Typically clinical diagnosis, CRP
What is a differential diagnosis for acute bronchitis?
Pneumonia (wheeze, focal chest signs present, fever)
What is the treatment for acute bronchitis?
- Supportive (fluids, analgesia)
- Antibiotics (doxycycline/amoxicillin) if necessary
CRP 100+ = always abx
What is bronchiolitis?
A respiratory infection primarily affecting infants, often caused by Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?
• Cold symptoms precede
• Dry cough
• Increasing shortness of breath
• Feeding difficulties
• Fever
What are the signs of bronchiolitis?
• Wheeze
• Fine inspiratory crackles
What are the referral criteria for bronchiolitis?
999 immediate referral if:
• Apnoea
• Child looks seriously unwell
• Severe respiratory distress (RR >70)
• Central cyanosis
• O2 stats
What is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract infections?
URT = nose, nasal cavity, pharynx
Rhinovirus
What are the causes of upper respiratory tract infections?
• Rhinovirus
• Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
• Influenza virus
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Adenovirus
What are the risk factors for upper respiratory tract infections?
• Age
• Immunocompromised states
• Chronic disease
• Lifestyle factors
• Crowded environments
• Seasonal
What are the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections?
• Nasal discharge/obstruction
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Cough
• Tiredness
• General malaise
• Facial pain
• Earache
• Hoarseness
• Nausea
What signs may indicate an upper respiratory tract infection?
• Erythema/injection at back of throat
• Nasal discharge
• Tender cervical lymph nodes
• Mild fever
What assessment tools are used for upper respiratory tract infections?
Traffic light system (Child < 5)
FeverPAIN (adult)
What is the management for upper respiratory tract infections?
• Supportive (paracetamol + fluids)
• Usually lasts up to 7-10 days but may be as long as 3 weeks
What are potential complications of upper respiratory tract infections?
• New conditions: Sinusitis, Otitis media, pneumonia
• Exacerbation: asthma, COPD
• Viral wheeze, bronchiolitis, croup
