Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Flashcards
What types of infective agents may result in an URTI?
Bacteria or virus
What viruses may be responsible for an URTI?
Adenovirus, Influenza A and B, Parainfluenza I and III, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Rhinovirus
What bacteria may be responsible for an URTI?
H. influenzae M. catarrhalis Mycoplasma Staph. aureus Strep spp.
Describe the prevalence of Rhinitis in children?
Very common in children
Rhinitis is rarely prodrome to what other illnesses?
- Pneumonia
- Bronchiolitis
- Meningitis
- Septicaemia
What is the average length of a runny nose according to multiple studies?
14-16 days
What is otitis media?
Primary viral infection which causes inflammation of the inner ear
(Secondary with Pneumococcus and H flu
What can otitis media lead to?
Spontaneous rupture of ear drum
Antibiotic treatment is fucking pointless most of the time but if the little brat’s parents push for it what do you give them?
Augmentin - a penicillin which shows to be useful in some ear infections
Under what circumstances would you opt to treat?
- Severe bi/unilateral infection for >6 months
- Severe pain >48hrs
- Non-severe 6-23 months
When treatment is decided against, what is the course of action taken?
The clinician should offer observation with close follow-up based on joint decision making with parents/caregivers
What is the typical duration of an ear ache?
7-9 days
What is the summary of otitis media chemotherapy/
Analgesia is great, fuck knows about antibiotics (the jury is out)
Tonsilitis and pharyngitis is common - but what is the dilemma?
Whether its bacterial or viral (very hard to tell)
What is the course of action if mild-severe tonsillitis/pharyngitis is suspected?
Throat swab and potentially a course of 10 days amoxycillin
