Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Flashcards
What percentage of admissions were acute URTI’s in 2013 in Scotland?
- 7%
In children, if the child is well but has an URTI what is the pathology?
Viral
If the child is ill and has an URTI what is the pathology?
Bacterial
What is otitis media?
- Infection of the ear
What is the main problem caused by otitis media?
Earache
What is erythema?
Redness of the skin (can be seen in otitis media)
What happens to the eardrum in otitis media?
- Bulges
- Normally shiny timpanic membrane red
What bacteria can cause a secondary infection in otitis media?
- Pneumococci
- Haemophilus Influenzae
What is the best treatment for otitis media?
Main problem is pain so PAIN RELIEF
Why is it somewhat unsuitable to use antibiotics for otitis media?
- Usually goes away before antibiotics work
- Side effects of antibiotics probably worse than the benefit
When should otitis media be treated with antibiotics?
- Severe uni/bilateral otitis media lasting over 6 months
- Severe pain for 48 hours
What is needed for diagnosis of the pathogen causing tonsillitis/pharyngitis?
Throat swab
Why is a throat swab still inefficient?
By the time the results get back the patient is usually better if it is a virus
What happens if you give someone with suspected tonsillitis amoxicillin and they have Epstein-Barr?
- They will turn a shade of red
- Symptoms will get worse
What is croup caused by?
Influenza A
What will a patient with flu be like health wise?
Generally healthy
What breathing noise is made by someone with croup?
- Stridor
- Hoarse voice
- Barking cough
What is the treatment for croup?
Oral dexamethasone
What organism causes epiglotitis?
Haemophilus Influenzae
What happens to the epiglottis in severe epiglotitis?
- Sticks out over wind pipe and oesophagus due to swelling
What is a telltale sign of epiglotitis?
Conscious drooling and stridor
What is the treatment for epiglotitis?
Usually intubation and antibiotics
What term should you use instead of viral when referring to URTI’s?
Self limiting
