URTI

Question 1

What is the definition of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs)?

Answer 1

Infections that affect the nose, nasal passages, sinuses, ear, and throat (pharynx and larynx).

Question 2

What is the definition of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs)?

Answer 2

Infections that affect the airways and lungs (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli).

Question 3

Name a common causative organism of URTIs.

Answer 3

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• RSV

Question 4

What role does saliva play in the natural defenses of the respiratory tract?

Answer 4

Saliva aids in pH regulation and contains antibodies.

Question 5

What is the function of the mucociliary escalator?

Answer 5

It helps clear mucus and pathogens from the respiratory tract.

Question 6

True or False: The cough reflex is part of the respiratory tract defense mechanisms.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What are the characteristic symptoms of croup?

Answer 7

• Barking cough
• Hoarseness
• Inspiratory stridor
• Respiratory distress

Question 8

What is epiglottitis and what are its symptoms?

Answer 8

A bacterial infection of the epiglottis presenting with severe sore throat, high fever, difficulty swallowing, and drooling.

Question 9

What is the primary cause of pertussis (whooping cough)?

Answer 9

Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The most common viral cause of the common cold is _______.

Answer 10

[rhinoviruses]

Question 11

What are the symptoms of influenza (flu)?

Answer 11

• Sudden onset of high fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Sore throat

Question 12

What is the consequence of untreated strep throat?

Answer 12

• Rheumatic fever
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Question 13

What is the main treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis?

Answer 13

Penicillin

Question 14

What is the role of secretory IgA in respiratory tract defense?

Answer 14

It helps in mucosal immunity.

Question 15

List two types of respiratory viruses that can cause infections.

Answer 15

• Influenza
• Rhinoviruses

Question 16

What does the term ‘virulence factors’ refer to?

Answer 16

Characteristics that allow bacteria to cause infection, such as pili, capsules, and toxin production.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The most efficient mechanism at preventing influenza is _______.

Answer 17

[vaccination]

Question 18

What is the incubation period for measles?

Answer 18

Weeks

Question 19

What is the significance of the mumps virus in terms of contagion?

Answer 19

It is extremely contagious and spreads via droplets.

Question 20

What are some complications of mumps?

Answer 20

• Orchitis
• Epididymitis
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis

Question 21

What is the typical treatment for bacterial sinusitis?

Answer 21

Antibiotics, often amoxicillin.

Question 22

True or False: Cough reflex sensitivity can be affected by medications.

Answer 22

True

Question 23

What type of infection is commonly associated with Staphylococcus aureus?

Answer 23

Skin and soft tissue infections, but can also cause sinusitis and otitis media.

Question 24

What is the pathophysiology of secondary invaders in respiratory infections?

Answer 24

They infect when host defenses are impaired, often following a primary viral infection.

Question 25

Name two common viral infections spread by droplet transmission.

Answer 25

• Mumps
• Measles

Question 26

What is the treatment for whooping cough?

Answer 26

Antibiotics and supportive care.

Question 27

What is the role of macrophages in the respiratory tract?

Answer 27

They destroy foreign material.