Upper respiratory tract infections Flashcards
what are the difference in flora abundance between upper and lower respiratory tracts and whats the implication in getting samples
upper respiratory tract: heavily populated by flora
- usually samples not taken in UAW infection due to this
lower respiratory tract has less
what is the difference between otitis media and otitis externa
media: hearing loss
externa: no hearing loss
what are the 3 common pathogens that cause sinusitis and otitis media
- moraxella catarrhalis
- haemophilus influenzae
- strep. pneumoniae
what procedures are done to take samples for otitis media and sinusitis
otitis media: middle ear fluid sampled by tympanocentesis
sinusitis: sinus puncture = maxillary sinus aspiration
What is the most common pathogen that cause pharyngitis.
which 2 are worth paying attention to?
viral cause is most common for pharyngitis
- Group A streptococcal pyoge = direct damage
- cprynobacterium diptheriae = toxin mediated
what is the clinical presentation of GAS pharyngitis and what are the possible complications
- tonsil inflammed (redness), exudate found
- acute onset of fever, sore throat
- cervical nodes are enlarged and tender
complication:
Heart reactive antibodies agains M-protein of GAS = acute rheumatic fever (valvular damage)
- if untreated or recurrent infection = chronic rheumatic heart disease
- paratonsilar abcess = swolen shut of airway = ventilation problem
- retropharyngeal abcess
why is acute epiglotitis medical emergency and what is it caused by
clinical presentation
haemphilus influenzae = cephalosporin effective against all
- cellulitis of the epiglottis, can lead to swelling
= complete closure of airway - lateral chest x-ray: thumb sign
- epiglottis is red and inflammed (cherry red)
must ensure equipment present for emergency intubation when doing laryngoscope
clinical presentation: dyshagia, dysphonia, quiet, drooling
can affect adults too, but more varied aetiology
