Respiratory Flashcards
Name the 5 respiratory infection classifications
(according to level of resp tract most involved)
URTI, Tracheal infection, Bronchitis, Broncholitis, Pneumonia
Most important respiratory viruses
RSV, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, influenza, adenovirus
Most important bacterial viruses
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella, Bordetella pertussis
Types of URTI
common cold, sore throat (pharyngitis), acute otitis media, sinusitis
Common cold (coryza) causes and symptoms
Cx: rhinovirus, coronoaviruses, RSV
Sx: nasal discharge/blockage, pharyngitis, cough, mild fever, watery eyes
Treatment of coryza/common cold
self-limiting. No abx (viral infection). Rest + healthy food. Paracetamol or ibuprofen if fever and distressed.
What causes sore throat (pharyngitis)
pharynx and soft palate are inflamed and local lymph nodes enlarged and tender. Usually due to viral infection with respiratory viruses.
What is tonsilitis
Form of pharyngitis where there is intense inflammation of the tonsils, often with a purulent exudate. Commonly group A strep and EBV.
What is acute Otitis media?
Infection of the middle ear. Viral URTI often preceding bacteria entering from back of throat through eustachian tube.
Px of Otitis media
ear pain, reduced hearing, URTI symptoms. May cause balance issues and vertigo.
Dx of Otitis media
Otoscope - bulging, red/inflamed ear drum. If ear drum perforated will see discharge (normally pearly grey, translucent, slightly shiny)
Tx of Otitis media
Most self-resolving, try avoid abx. If abx (amoxicillin = 1st line) can prescribe immediate or delayed - 2-3D if not resolved.
What is Otitis media with effusion + why is there effusion.
Middle ear filled with fluid, loss of hearing in that ear. Blocked eustachian tube - secretions from middle ear not drained into throat.
Causes of glue ear
immature/malformation of Eustachian tube. Otitis media.
Dx + Mx of glue ear
dull, retracted eardrum. Fluid level visible.
Mx = self resolving within 3 mth.
When is active management needed for glue ear
If affecting learning and development, had severe hearing loss before glue ear, have downs or cleft
What is grommets
Used to treat glue ear. Small tubes implanted into ear drum under general anaesthesia.
What is sinusitis
May occur with viral URTI’s. Infection of paranasal sinuses. Pain, swelling around cheeks, eyes, forehead.
How can laryngeal and tracheal infections be life-threatening ?
Cause mucosal inflammation and swelling which can lead to obstruction of the airway
What is the most common laryngotracheal infection?
Croup
What feature of Croup can cause critical narrowing of the trachea
Oedema of the subglottic area
Common causes of Croup
parainfluenza most common cause, RSV, adenovirus
What age is Croup most common
6 months to 2 years but can be older
Typical features of Croup
barking cough, increased work of breathing, stridor, hoarseness usually preceded by fever
Mx of Croup
Usually managed at home and resolves within 48 hours. If severe use management pathway: oral dexamethosone (or pred) -> O2 -> budenoside -> adrenaline -> intubation + ventilation.
What must you avoid doing when examining obstruction of the upper airway
Avoid examining the throat using a spatula. Can precipitate total obstruction.
What type of layngotracheal infection is a life threatening emergency
Acute epiglottitis
What is the worry with acute epiglottitis
Can swell to complete obstruction of the airway within hours of symptoms developing - the thumb sign on xray
What causes acute epiglottitis and why is it now rare
Haemophilus influenza type B. Now a vaccination programme
How can you differentiate epiglottitis from Croup?
Epiglottitis: unvaccinated, high fever, intense painful throat, difficulty swallowing, sat forward and drooling, stridor and muffled voice, severe difficulty breathing.
Croup: mild fever, sore throat, barking cough, harsh stridor, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing.
Mx of epiglottits
intensive care unit. Be prepared to intubate.
IV antibiotics - cefuroxime. Tracheostomy may be required if intubation not possible
What is bronchitis in children?
inflammation of the bronchi (large breathing tubes). Cough and fever main symptoms unlike wheeze and coarse crackles in adults.
What is whooping cough?
A highly contagious form of bronchitis caused by bacteria Bordatella pertussis.
What is the presentation of whooping cough?
1 week of coryzal symptoms. Developing into a paroxysmal cough followed by a large, loud inspiratory whoop lasting 3-6week. Can cough so hard they vomit, go red/blue in face, faint.
Is whooping always present in infants with whooping cough
Can be absent, with apnoeas presenting instead. Can cause brain damage, death.