Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Question 1

The respiratory tract is the most common site for infection
by pathogens because: 2

Answer 1

1. Respiratory tract has direct contact with the physical environment & is exposed to microorganisms in air
2. Inhaled air consists of smoke, soot and dust and thousands of micro-organisms

Question 2

List the anatomical features of URT help to rid respiratory system of
particles & potential pathogens through. 3

Answer 2

1. Mucociliary lining in nasal cavity traps particles
2. Airway direction from sinuses to pharynx\
3. Mucociliary escalator of lower respiratory tract

Question 3

What ORGANISMS are RESPONSIBLE FOR
URTI? 2

Answer 3

1. Bacteria
2. viruses

Question 4

What three obstacles must be overcome to initiate an URTI? 3

Answer 4

1. Avoid capture in the mucus layers in the nasal cavity
2. Avoid the defence mechanisms of lower respiratory tract (mucociliary escalator – sweeping cilia on epithelial cells)
3. Avoid phagocytosis (destruction) by the body’s white cells (immune system) in the lower respiratory tract

Question 5

HOW IS URT DISEASE ESTABLISHED? 5

Answer 5

1. Infectious particles must be airborne.
2. Infectious organism must remain alive and viable while in the air.
3. Person must inhale sufficient number or “dose” of infectious agent.
4. Organism must be deposited on susceptible tissue in the host.
5. Colonize infected surfaces of the host and cause systemic reaction within the host’s body.

Question 6

What are the RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING URTI? 4

Answer 6

1. Age
2. Medical conditions
3. Weather
4. Stress

Question 7

Why are colds more prevalent in winter?

Answer 7

Colds are more prevalent in winter due to cold weather that dries nasal passage lining and increases the host’s susceptibility to viral invasion.

Question 8

Ture or false.

Physiotherapy is used to treat all URTI

Answer 8

False. Physiotherapy management only indicated for those who develop sinusitis infection.