Urti Flashcards
What are URTIs?
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, prevalent childhood illnesses caused by various pathogens
URTIs lead to discomfort, missed school days, and potential complications.
What is the first line of defense against airborne pathogens in the upper respiratory tract?
Nasal passages
The nasal septum and turbinates filter and condition air.
List the divisions of the pharynx.
- Nasopharynx
- Oropharynx
- Laryngopharynx
What potential complications can arise from URTIs?
- Sinusitis
- Otitis media
- Pneumonia
- Bronchiolitis
What are the leading causes of URTIs in children?
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Allergic triggers
Name three viral pathogens associated with URTIs.
- Rhinoviruses
- Adenoviruses
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
What are common symptoms of URTIs?
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite
Fill in the blank: The cough associated with URTIs may last _______ weeks.
[1-3] weeks
What age-related variations are seen in URTI symptoms?
- Infants: Irritability, feeding difficulties, nasal congestion
- Older children: Sore throat, persistent cough
What conditions should be ruled out during differential diagnosis of URTIs?
- Bronchiolitis
- Asthma exacerbations
- Foreign body aspiration
What findings may be observed during a physical examination for URTIs?
- Nasal congestion
- Redness and swelling of the throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
What types of laboratory tests are used for diagnosing URTIs?
- Viral PCR and culture
- Strep throat test
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Chest X-rays
What is the first-line antiviral therapy for influenza?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
What are common antibacterial therapies for bacterial infections in URTIs?
- Penicillin
- Amoxicillin
What preventive strategies are recommended for URTIs?
- Vaccination
- Hygiene practices
- Environmental control
True or False: Recurrent/severe URTIs may impact lung development and respiratory health.
True
What is the most common infectious condition in children under 2?
Common Cold (Acute Nasopharyngitis)
What are the symptoms of acute sore throat caused by bacterial infections?
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Dysphagia
- Erythematous tonsils with purulent exudate
What is a key treatment for croup?
Cold/hot steam, monitoring, IV fluids, oxygen
What is the medical emergency associated with acute epiglottitis?
High fever, dyspnea, dysphagia, drooling, ‘tripod’ position
What are the common microbial etiologies of sinusitis?
- Viral
- Bacterial (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis)
Fill in the blank: 30-60% of children have at least one episode of acute otitis media by age _______.
[1]
What are the risk factors for acute otitis media?
- Age
- Male gender
- Daycare attendance
- Environmental smoke
- Lack of breastfeeding
