RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS Flashcards
types of resp infections
- upper vs lower
upper- common cold, pharyn/laryngitis
lower- croup, bronchitis, pleuritis
RED = VIRAL
high surface area allows
lots of gas exchange across alveoli
Acute Bronchitis is
inflammation of tracheobronchial tree (bronchioles)
Bronchiolitis is
lung infection common in children and infants
- swelling and irritation, build up of mucus in bronchioles
- almost always caused by a virus
Pneumonia is
inflammation and consolidation of DEEP lung tissue
- alveoli filled with WBC and inflammatory debris
CAN EFFECT GAS EXCHANGE
How does gas exchange work
occurs across alveolar capillary membrane
- maintain clear surface for high volume gas exchange and guard against systemic infection
risks (in the environment) for infection
- loss of heat and moisture (ventilated pt)
- allergens
- aspiration of stomach content/oral secretions
- particulate matter (breath in cough)
- viruses, bacteria, fungi
how do we determine bacterial vs. fungal
- clinical presentation/PE
- diagnostic studies (galactomannan, crp biomarkers, CBC differential, chest imaging, culture sputum, PCR swab)
what is procalcitonin
precursor peptide from hormone calcitonin
released in response to bacterial toxins and pro inflamm mediators
in what type of infection is procalcitonin NOT released
viral infections do not promote PCT release
Common Cold- S+S and duration
self-limited
rhinorrhea, sore throat, cough, malaise, chills, headache, low grade fever or afebrile
duration: 9-10 days
Common Cold- etiology
viruses: rhinovirus, coronavirus, INFLUENZA VIRUS, RSV, adenovirus
Common cold- diagnosis
clinical diagnosis does usually not require diagnostics/tests
- PCR nose swab, upper resp swab culture (strep), rapid strep, influenza, covid test
Common cold- treatment
- antihistamines
- anticholinergics
- NSAID, ACETAMINOPHEN (pain management)
- topical decongestants
- cough suppressants
Influenza- S+S
- abrupt onset fever and chills
- sore throat
- dry cough
- CLEAR runny nose
- myalgias, headaches
