Respiratory Tract Infection (Respiratory) Flashcards
What is the clinical presentation of influenza?
High fever, abrupt onset, malaise, myalgia (joint pain), headache, cough, prostration.
What is the aetiology of influenza?
Influenza A+B, flu like illnesses e.g. parainfluenza, haemophilus influenza (secondary invader).
What tube colour should you use for viral media throat swabs and what technique does the lab use?
Red top, uses PCR so is incredibly sensitive.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
Exudate, pus (most obvious sign it is bacterial), sore throat, dysphagia, dysphonia.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
Swollen tonsils, erythematous, dysphagia, dysphonia (difficulty speaking), recurrent, tonsillectomy can be done but not often.
What is quincy and how can it be treated?
Complication of tonsillitis, it is a tonsillar abscess, can be drained (beware internal carotid artery).
Who does epiglottitis affect most often and what complication can arise from this?
Kids (have small larynx), can occlude airway, call anaesthetist to put a tube in and give IV antibiotics.
What is the common cold called and how is it spread?
Coryza, spread by droplets and fomites.
What are sometimes complications of the common cold?
Sinusitis and acute bronchitis.
What are the common viruses causing the common cold?
Adenovirus, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus.
What types of pain can sinusitis cause?
Frontal headache, retro-orbital pain (behind eyes), maxillary sinus pain, toothache, discharge.
What about lymphatic drainage makes sinusitis potentially very bad?
Drainage of this area of the face drains to the brain, which is why it can be very bad.
What is acute sinusitis often preceded by and what type of discharge does it cause?
Common cold, purulent nasal discharge.
What is the treatment of sinusitis?
Mostly-viral aetiology so usually self-limited, resolves in 10 days, some need antibiotics.
What makes diptheria life threatening?
Toxin production.
