Upper Respiratory Flashcards
Inflammation of nasal mucosa
Allergic Rhinitis (allergies)
Episodic allergies
sporadic exposure
Intermittent allergies
less than 4 days/week or less than 4 weeks/year
Persistent allergies
greater than 4 days/week or greater than 4 weeks/year
Manifestations of allergies
Sneezing; watery, itchy eyes and nose; congestion, decreased smell, thin watery nasal drainage
2. Pale, boggy, swollen turbinate’s
Chronic Exposure allergies
Headache
Nasal congestion/sinus pressure
Hoarseness
Cough
Allergy management
Identify & avoid triggers
Reduce inflammation& symptoms
i. Common cold—greater than 200 viruses; coronavirus
ii. Contagious: airborne droplets or contact
Acute Viral Rhinopharyngitis
Colds are influenced by
fatigue, stress, allergies, and altered immune status
Acute Viral Rhinopharyngitis Symptoms
Runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestions, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue
Acute Viral Rhinopharyngitis Management
- Vitamin C, Echinacea, Zinc (Complementary and Alternative Therapies)
- 2,000ml of fluids
No what for a cold?
antibiotics unless complications (bacterial)
Chronic disease for management of a cold report:
sputum changes, short of breath, chest tightness
- Mutated viruses —no immunity
- Pandemics (worldwide spread)
- Epidemics (localized outbreaks)
- Most common & virulent
Influenza A
Influenza transmission: infected droplets start
1 day before onset symptoms
lasts 5-7 days
Manifestations of influenza: Abrupt onset
7 days: chills, fever, myalgia, headache, cough, sore throat, fatigue
Complications of Influenza
Pneumonia, ear/sinus infections
older adults- weak/lethargic
Vaccine takes how long for antibody production
2 weeks
- shorten duration of symptoms and reduce risk of complications
- Must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset
Antivirals
Inflammation of sinus mucosa results in blockage and accumulated secretions
Sinusitis (common complication after a common cold, sinus infection)
Acute Manifestations Sinusitis
1-less than 4 weeks; pain/tenderness, purulent drainage, congestion, fever, malaise, headaches, halitosis
Chronic Manifestations Sinusitis
12 weeks or more; facial or dental pain, congestion, increased drainage
Management of sinusitis
Rest, hydration, humidifier, warm compresses, HOB up, meds as prescribed; No smoking
Sore throat; Inflammation of pharyngeal walls; tonsils, palate, uvula
Acute Pharyngitis
Causes of Acute Pharyngitis
Viral (90%), bacterial (strep throat), fungal (candidiasis)
Classic Manifestations Acute Pharyngitis
fever greater than 38° C (100.4), cervical lymph node enlargement, pharyngeal exudate, absent cough
bacterial pharyngitis goals
antibiotics, PCN (penicillin) for strep
Candida treatment
anti fungal (swish & swallow)
common complication after a common cold, sinus infection
sinusitis
