RESPIRATORY TRACT CONDITIONS AND INFECTION Flashcards
WHAT ARE THE INFECTIONS THAT ARE LIKELY TO BE IN THE UPPER RESP TRACT?
*Acute bacterial sinusitis
*Acute pharyngotonsillitis- sore throat
*Acute otitis media -earache.
Infections are likely to be found in the lower respiratory tract
- Acute bronchitis
- Acute exacerbation of COPD
- Pneumonia.
Rhinitis
inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose.
What are the characteristics and common causes of rhinitis??
*Runny nose, sneezing and stiffness
*Cold and allergy
Bacterial rhinitis:
*last for 7-10 days.
*Symptoms: headache, fever, facial/ dental tenderness and pain. Discharge
Viral and allergic rhinitis
*Last for 2-3 days
*Nasal congestion / obstruction, watery discharge from both nostril, itching and watering
*Snoring at night
* Mouth breathing
class of drug that Relieve the itching, sneezing, and runny nose of allergic rhinitis, but they do not relieve nasal congestion??
= Antihistamines
Antihistamines can not be used alone, they must be used along with nasal steroids or decongestants.
This is done to have a greater relief than using only antihistamines.
Types of antihistamines drug:
*Non-sedating antihistamines- long-lasting.
*Sedating antihistamines- onset, not taken before working
-E.g. Chlorpheniramine
What are the adverse effects of nasal steroids?
burning, stinging, dry nose or sneezing
Drugs that treat allergic rhinitis:
*Corticosteroids- fluticasone but for children of the age of 6 upwards
*Antihistamine for short effect – chlorpheniramine - oral
*Nocturnal nasal steroids- oxymetazoline ( as a topical nasal decongestant)
Which drug should be used for the long-term effects of allergic rhinitis and who should use it?
Cetirizine for both kids and adults
antihistamines are not used to children of which age?
less than 2 yrs.
VIRAL RHINITIS - what are consideration for patients with viral rhinitis
Just limit strenuous activity, ensure adequate hydration and return to the clinic if present with symptoms of pain, tenderteness and earache greater than 14 days.
What is the treatment for pain, fever, and nasal congestion?
Saline nose drops …………for dryness and liquefies mucus
For pain and fever : paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen
Name the commonly used nasal decontestant.?
Oxymetazoline
* Phenylephrine
* Xylometazoline
* Pseudoephedrine
What is the mechanism of action of nasal decongestants?
Nasal decongestants have a parasympathetic response. They act a1 receptors: oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, and Xylometazoline. They constriction of blood vessels, less blood flow, and less mucous produced
Inhaler and nebulizer for asthma treatment?
corticosteroids and bronchodilators
Inhaler decongestants
Eucalyptus oil, Friar’s balsam