Upper respiratory tract infections in children Flashcards
What are the common viral agents for upper respiratory tract infections ?
Adenovirus Influenza A, B Para 'flu 1, III RSV Rhinovirus
What are the bacterial infective agents common for bacterial infective agents ?
H influenzae M catarrhalis Mycoplasma S aureus Streptococci B haemolytic, S pyogenes Non haemolytic, S pneumoniae
What is rhinitis ?
Involves nasal obstruction or congestion, runny nose or post-nasal drip, itchy nose, and/or sneezing
When is Rhinitis common ?
In the winter months
5-10/year
What can Rhinitis prodrome to ?
Pneumonia, bronchiolitis
Meningitis
Septicaemia
Is rhinitis self-limiting ?
yes
What does self-limiting mean ?
A condition that resolves on its own and has no long-term harmful effect on a person’s health
What is Otitis media ?
Infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum
What is clinically significant about Otitis Media ?
Common
Self limiting
Primary Viral infection
What can secondary infection with pneumococcus/ H ‘flu cause in otitis media ?
Spontaneous rupture of the ear drum
Is antibiotics useful in treating otitis media ?
No, antibiotics usually dont help
What are the side effects of Augmentin ?
High rates of Diarrhoea
Nappy Rash
What are the deferred treatment benefits ?
Fewer patients treated
Fewer side effects
What is the problem with prescribing antibiotics for URTI ?
Antibiotics may work, but take 2/3 days to work
Side effects are bad
End point is the same for treatment vs no treatment
What is tonsillitis/ pharyngitis ?
Inflammation of tonsils/ pharynx
What is the common causative agent for tonsillitis/ pharyngitis ?
Strep infections
What is the dilemma for treating tonsillitis and pharyngitis ?
Viral or bacterial?
Microbiology tests to confirm the microorganism take a long time
DON’T GIVE AMOXYCILLIN
Either do nothing or prescribe 10 days penicillin
What are the signs of strep throat in children ?
Scarlet fever
Pallor around mouth
What is croup ?
Inflammation of the larynx and trachea in children, associated with infection and causing breathing difficulties
What causes croup ?
Para ‘flu I
How common is croup ?
Common
What are the signs of croup ?
Coryza + stridor, hoarse voice
Barking cough
What is used to treat croup ?
Oral dexamethasone- steroid
What causes epiglottitis ?
Haemophilus influenzae type B
How common is epiglottitis ?
Rare
What are the signs of epiglottitis ?
Stridor
Drooling
How serious is epiglottitis ?
Very serious
Toxic
What is the treatment for epiglottitis ?
Intubation and antibiotics
What percentage of URTI’s are self-limiting ?
99%
Anti-biotics do not usually help
