Upper Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
What is the common cold?
acute contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract that is marked by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, eyes, and eustachian tubes with a watery, then purulent, discharge.
difficulty eating and breathing
run course in 4-5 days
rest, fluid intake, diet as tolerated
antibiotic treatment for complications like secondary bacterial infection, extension of infection into lower respiratory tract or into middle ear
what is the average incidnece of common cold in preschool children and adults
preschool children - 5 to 7
adults - 2 to 3
s/s of common cold?
runny nose
nasal congestion
discharge
sneezing
watery eyes
sore throat
hoarseness of voice
coughing
discharge starts clear and thin, can turn greenish yellow and thick
headache
slight fever
chills
what is the cause of colds?
caused by 200 diff viruses but most common r rhinoviruses followed by coronavirus
transmitted by respiratory droplets or by touching an contaminated inanimate object then ur eyes or nose
What is allergic rhinitis?
inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances
s/s r caused by hypersensitivity to an allergen caused by Ig E (causes mast cells to release histamine)
Approximately ___________, or __%, of American adults are
diagnosed with allergic rhinitis in any 12-month
period
17 million or 7%
what are the s/s of allergic rhinitis?
runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing
How to diagnose and treat Allergic Rhinitis?
Diagnose - physical examination, medical history, and allergy testing
Treat - avoiding allergens and nasal steroids (can take allergy shots to desensitize)
What is sinusitis + etiology ?
inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the sinuses (sinuses r air-filled cavities behind the facial bones)\
usually caused by viral infection (often common cold), fungal or more, commonly, bacteria infections that travel to sinuses from nose, often pt had common cold
can also be caused swimming or diving, tooth extractions, tooth abscess, allergies that affect nasal passages
Approximately _________ Americans are diagnosed with sinusitis each year
30 million
Wat are risk factors for sinusitis?
having an upper respiratory infection, allergies, obstruction of the nose (deviated septum, polyps), and a weakened immune system
What are sinusitis s/s?
frontal sinuses and maxillary sinuses r most commonly involved sinuses
facial pain and pressure (intensifies when bending over), nasal stuffiness, nasal discharge, loss of smell, and cough or congestion, headache 9esp on waking in morn), and drainage will be thick,greenish yellow mucopurulent liquid
Diagnosis of sinusitis?
medical history
physical examination
nasal endoscopy to visually inspect the sinuses (endoscopic sinoscopy)
imaging tests (appears as white areas)
nasal and sinus cultures
allergy testing
CT
bedside transilluminatoin
What is the treatment for sinusitis?
treatment is symptomatic
may use saline nasal spray to rinse the nasal passages, nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, decongestants and pain relievers, antibiotics, oral and topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, sinustomy if inflammation persists
What is tonsilitis?
infectious inflammation of the tonsil caused by bacteria or viruses
s/s of tonsilitis?
severe sore throat
red, swollen tonsils
difficulty or painful swallowing
white or yellow patches on the tonsils
fever