URTI Flashcards
Croup Tonsillitis Otitis Media Rhinitis Epiglotitis
What is croup?
An upper respiratory tract infection.
Acute infective respiratory disease.
What age does croup commonly affect?
6 months - 2yrs.
Can be older.
What are the signs and symptoms of croup?
Low grade fever Increased work of breathing Hoarse voice Inspiratory stridor Barking cough
When does croup usually get better?
Within 48hrs
What is the at home management for croup?
Sit child up when coughing
Paracetamol
Fluids
What medication can be given to treat croup?
Oral dexamethasone
What is the dose of steroids given to treat croup?
150micrograms per kilogram.
1 off dose - can be given again after 12 hours if needed.
What steroid is given if there is no dexamethasone for croup?
Oral prednisolone
What are the steps in severe croup?
Oral dexamethasone Oxygen Nebulised adrenaline Nebulised budesonide Intubation and ventilation
What is the main cause of epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenza B.
How does epiglottitis present?
Unvaccinated child fever tripod position drooling stridor sitting forward difficulty swallowing muffled voice septic looks unwell
How is epiglottitis treated?
DONT stress the child (this can prompt closure of the epiglottis) IV intubation if needed tracheostomy IV antibiotics (ceftriaxone) steroids (dexamethasone).
How many children experience side effects with antibiotics?
1/3rd - 1/2: oral thrush diarrhoea nappy rash allergic reaction multi resistance
What is the main treatment for almost all URTI?
antipyretics - paracetamol, ibuprofen.
sugary drink.
time.
Why is otitis media mentioned as an URTI?
Because an URTI usually precedes before resulting in otitis media
what is otitis media?
an infection of the middle ear.
What is the most common cause of otitis media?
streptococcus pneumonia
How does otitis media present?
Mainly - PAIN reduced hearing fever cough sore throat balance issues vertigo Discharge (ruptured tympanic membrane) Bulging red inflamed tympanic membrane
What is the management for otitis media?
LEAVE - resolves within 3 days - 1 week.
Simple analgesia is best: paracetamol and ibuprofen.
1st line antibiotics (very rarely needed) - amoxicillin.
What are the signs of a strep throat?
scarlet fever
pallor around mouth
temperature
poor energy
What are the signs of tonsillitis?
sore throat
headache
pyrexia
lymph node swelling
When should antibiotics be given for a sore throat?
If its strep throat Fever Tonsillar exudates No cough tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy
What treatment is given for strep throat?
1st line - Phenocymethylpenicillin.
If penicillin allergic - Clarythromycin.
(7-10 days)
DO NOT GIVE AMOXICILLIN.
How long does a sore throat last for?
2-3 days
What are the complications of a sore throat?
Quinsy
what are the signs of quinsy?
severe throat pain - lateralises to one side
deviation of the uvula to the unaffected side
trismus (difficulty opening the mouth)
reduced neck mobility
What is the management of quinsy?
antibiotics and aspiration (surgical drainage no longer recommended)
tonsillectomy should be considered to prevent recurrence
What is the most common bacterial cause of tonsillitis?
Streptococcus pyogenes.
