Respiratory Tract Infections Flashcards
What are the main causes of respiratory tract infections (RTIs)?
Viruses (90% of upper RTIs, 30% of lower RTIs), bacteria, and rarely fungi
Common viral causes include rhinoviruses, RSV, influenza, and coronaviruses. Bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What are some examples of upper respiratory tract infections?
- Common cold
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
- Laryngitis
- Pharyngitis
- Otitis media
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis
Upper RTIs are typically less severe but can lead to complications.
What are some examples of lower respiratory tract infections?
- Pneumonia
- Lung abscess
- Pulmonary TB
Lower RTIs can be more severe and are a major cause of hospital admissions.
What is the primary mode of transmission for respiratory infections?
Air droplets transmission and direct contact
Infection can spread when a person coughs or sneezes near you or when touching infected surfaces.
What are the key defenses of the respiratory tract?
- Nasal cavity hairs & mucus
- Cilia
- Cough reflex
- Normal flora
These defenses help to trap and expel pathogens from the respiratory system.
What immune responses are initiated following respiratory tract infection?
- Innate immune responses
- First order cytokines
- Second order cytokines
These responses involve the activation of immune cells to clear pathogens and facilitate tissue repair.
What are common signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infections?
- Cough
- Phlegm production
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- High temperature
- Breathlessness
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and type of infection.
What risk factors increase susceptibility to RTIs?
- Contact with infected individuals
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Immunocompromised status
- Long-term health conditions
- Age (elderly/very young)
These factors can compromise the immune system and respiratory defenses.
What are the components of a physical examination for diagnosing RTIs?
- Listening to lung sounds
- Throat examination
- Checking swollen glands
- Taking temperature
- Assessing pulse and blood pressure
A thorough examination is essential for accurate diagnosis.
What investigations may be necessary for diagnosing RTIs?
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests (CRP, WBCs)
- Sputum culture
- Nasal & throat swabs
- Urinary antigen tests
These tests help identify the causative agents and assess severity.
What is the CURB-65 score used for?
Assessing mortality risk in pneumonia patients
It considers confusion, urea levels, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
What are some red flags indicating severe respiratory infection?
- Cough > 3 weeks
- Very high temperature
- Pleuritic chest pain
- Haemoptysis
- Symptoms worsening
These signs warrant immediate medical attention.
What is the primary treatment approach for most RTIs?
Symptomatic relief and self-care measures
Most RTIs are viral and self-limiting; treatments focus on alleviating symptoms.
Fill in the blank: Annual _______ vaccination is recommended for those at higher risk for respiratory infections.
[flu]
Vaccinations help reduce the risk of severe respiratory infections.
True or False: Antibiotics are indicated for viral respiratory infections.
False
Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and should be used only for bacterial infections.
