Respiratory Disorders

Question 1

What is the most common chronic illness of childhood in the UK?

Answer 1

Asthma

Question 2

What are the most common pathogens/causes of infection in children?

Answer 2

Viruses cause 80-90% of childhood respiratory tract infections
RSV
Rhinoviruses
Parainfluenza
Influenza

Question 3

What are some factors that are associated with an increased risk of respiratory tract infections?

Answer 3

Paternal smoking
Poor socio-economic status
Underlying respiratory tract disease- e.g. CF, Asthma
Significant Congenital Heart Disease
Immunodeficiency

Question 4

How are respiratory tract infections divided?

Answer 4

According to the area of the respiratory tract they affect

Question 5

Why is amoxicillin avoided in the treatment of tonsillitis?

Answer 5

If the cause is in fact due to infectious mononucleosis (EBV)giving amoxicillin can lead to widespread maculopapular rash . 5-10% of children taking amoxicillin experience this rash.

Penicillin V is the antibiotic of choice if a bacterial cause is suspected. Clarithromycin if penicillin allergic.