RESPIRATORY - UR disorders

Question 1

what are UR disorders? what are some examples?

Answer 1

inflammation disorders that affect the nasopharynx & oropharynx
- allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, rhinopharyngitis

Question 2

what is the general UR disorder pathophysiology?

Answer 2

something causes inflammation –> small vessels dilate –> congestion in nose & nose gets stuffy –> decrease efficiency of breathing & starts breathing through mouth –> increase mucus production –> sinuses drain –> irritates airway –> more inflammation & cough

Question 3

what are the causes of inflammation & its pathophysiology that causes that inflammation?

Answer 3

• ALLERGENS –> mast cell degranulation –> releases histamines –> histamines act on H1 receptors –> vasodilation (+ bronchoconstriction) –> congestion & rhinitis –> impacts breathing
• INFECTION –> inflammation –> vasodilation –> helps inflammation mediators get to the site of infection –> congestion + bronchoconstriction

Question 4

what are the risk factors for UR disorders?

Answer 4

• seasonal allergies
• viral exposure
• bacterial exposure (rhinovirus)

Question 5

what are the clinical manifestations of UR disorders?

Answer 5

• CV: tachycardia
• Resp: upper airway congestion, tachypnea, rhinorrhea, & dyspnea
• GI: throat irritation & pain
• Other: head/ear pressure & pain

Question 6

what labs & diagnostics are used?

Answer 6

labs:
- CBC
- viral testing
- ABGs
- sputum
diagnostics:
- chest X ray

Question 7

what are some UR complications?

Answer 7

• worsened allergic reaction
• chronic infection