Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Question 1

What is rhinitis?

Answer 1

this is I very common infection that presents with a sore throat and runny nose. it is self limiting but could prodone to other serious illnesses.

Question 2

a child presents with an earache, on inspection you find that it is red and the membrane of the eardrum is bulging forwards. what is the problem you may face with deciding to treat them?

Answer 2

this is otitis media. antibiotics have a small effect to resolve these symptoms though they do not take effect until day 2/3 by which point it is beginning to resolve on its own. the antibiotics also have side effects of diarrhoea and nappy rash. therefore it is often better to leave it to sort itself out.

Question 3

describe croup

Answer 3

this is a common infection by para’flu 1. the patient is normally well with stridor, hoarse voice and a barking cough. it is treated with oral dexamethasone.

Question 4

describe epiglottitis

Answer 4

this is caused by influenza type b and is a rare condition where the epiglottis swell obstruction the airway. the patient is toxic with stridor and is often drooling. it is treated with intubation and antibiotics.