Upper respiratory tract infections in children Flashcards
what is an upper respiratory tract infection?
illnesses caused by an acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract including the nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx
if a child is ill then what must the URTI be?
bacterial
if the child is well then the URTI must be?
viral
rhinitis
very common, esp in winter months
self-limiting condition
it is an early symptom of other illnesses like meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia
define self-limiting
either resolve on its own or which has no long-term harmful effect on a person’s health.
what is otitis media?
a middle ear infection
bulging ear drum due to a build up of fluid behind it
can cause earache
can cause spontaneous rupture of ear drum
tonsilitis/ pharyngitis
common but hard to tell if viral or bacterial
treatment is either nothing or 10 days penicillin
what is croup
a childhood condition that affects the trachea, bronchi and larynx.
Characterises as a barking stridor
over 99% of URTIs are what?
self-limiting
TRUE or FALSE
antibiotics don’t usually help treat URTIs
TRUE
what are some diseases in the upper respiratory tract? (6)
rhinitis tonsillitus otitis media laryngitis epiglottitis pharyngitis
what should you not give for tonsillitis/ pharyngitis
amoxicillin
what is more common croup or epiglottis?
croup
sinusitis/rhinitis
definition signs symptoms diagnosis/investigation management
inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses around nose area
signs/ symptoms: blocked nose, nasal discharge, facial pain, reduced smell, earache, pleuritic chest pain, history of URTI
diagnosis/investigation - examine ear and throat
if severe refer to ENT
management - OTC medication, nasal decongestants, cleaning inside of nose with saline solution, antihistamine, avoidance of allergens
