Upper respiratory tract infections - children Flashcards
If the child is well what type of infection is it?
Viral
If the child is quite ill what type of infection is it?
Bacterial
What is Rhinitis?
It is irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose.
What other illnesses could Rhinitis be a prodrome of?
- Pneumonia, bronchiolitis
- Meningitis
- Septicaemia
What is otitis media?
Otitis media is a group of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear.
Features of Otitis media
- Common, self-limiting
- Very red
- Primary viral infection
- Secondary infection with Pneumococcus/ H’flu
- Antibiotic treatment usually doesn’t help
Tonsillitis & Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections in the throat that cause inflammation.
If the tonsils are primarily affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is primarily affected, it is called pharyngitis.
- It is possible for a child to have both.
What antibiotic should you not give for tonsillitis/pharyngitis?
Amoxycillin
-Give either nothing or 10 days penicillin
Is tonsillitis viral or bacterial?
Most cases are Viral
- However some can be caused by bacterial infections, mainly group A streptococcus bacteria..
What is Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)?
A type of respiratory infection that is usually caused by a virus.
- Leads to swelling inside the trachea, which interferes with normal breathing.
Features of Croup (LTB)
- Parainfluenza I
- Common
- Coryza, stridor, hoarse voice, ‘barking’ cough
What is used to treat Croup (LTB)?
Oral dexamethasone
What is Epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis—the flap at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea (windpipe).
Features of Epiglottitis
- H.influenzae type B
- Rare
- Stridor, drooling
What is used to treat Epiglottitis?
Intubation and antibiotics
