Urti Flashcards
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What is the common cold?
An acute, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction.
What is the most common cause of the common cold?
Rhinoviruses, responsible for 50% of cases.
What are the typical symptoms of the common cold?
Rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, sore throat, and cough.
What is the peak incidence of the common cold?
From early fall to late spring.
What is the role of hand hygiene in preventing the common cold?
Reduces the spread of viruses through direct contact.
What are the complications of the common cold?
Otitis media, sinusitis, and exacerbation of asthma.
What is the treatment for the common cold?
Supportive care, including hydration, nasal saline, and NSAIDs for discomfort.
What is bacterial sinusitis?
An inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, usually due to bacterial infection.
What are the common bacterial causes of sinusitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
What are the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis?
Fever, cough, purulent nasal discharge, and facial pain.
What is the treatment for bacterial sinusitis?
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate.
What are the complications of bacterial sinusitis?
Orbital cellulitis, intracranial abscess, and meningitis.
What is pharyngitis?
Inflammation of the pharynx, often caused by viral or bacterial infections.
What is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis?
Group A Streptococcus (GAS).
What are the symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis?
Sore throat, fever, absence of cough, and tonsillar exudate.
What is the treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis?
Penicillin or amoxicillin to prevent rheumatic fever.
What are the complications of streptococcal pharyngitis?
Acute rheumatic fever, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and peritonsillar abscess.
What is otitis media?
Inflammation of the middle ear, often due to infection.
What are the common bacterial causes of otitis media?
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
What are the symptoms of otitis media?
Ear pain, fever, irritability, and hearing loss.
What is the treatment for otitis media?
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin for bacterial infections.
What are the complications of otitis media?
Hearing loss, tympanic membrane perforation, and mastoiditis.
What is croup?
An acute inflammatory disease of the larynx, characterized by a barking cough and stridor.
What is the most common cause of croup?
Parainfluenza virus, responsible for 75% of cases.
What are the symptoms of croup?
Barking cough, hoarseness, inspiratory stridor, and respiratory distress.
What is the treatment for croup?
Dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine for moderate to severe cases.
What are the complications of croup?
Respiratory failure and the need for intubation.
What is epiglottitis?
A life-threatening inflammation of the epiglottis, often due to bacterial infection.
What is the most common cause of epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), though less common due to vaccination.
What are the symptoms of epiglottitis?
Sudden onset of fever, sore throat, drooling, and respiratory distress.
What is the treatment for epiglottitis?
Immediate airway management and antibiotics such as ceftriaxone.
What are the complications of epiglottitis?
Airway obstruction and respiratory failure.
What is bacterial tracheitis?
A bacterial infection of the trachea, often following a viral respiratory infection.
What is the most common cause of bacterial tracheitis?
Staphylococcus aureus.
What are the symptoms of bacterial tracheitis?
Brassy cough, high fever, and respiratory distress.
What is the treatment for bacterial tracheitis?
Antibiotics such as vancomycin and ceftriaxone.
What are the complications of bacterial tracheitis?
Airway obstruction and the need for intubation.
What is the role of vaccination in preventing upper respiratory infections?
Vaccines for influenza, pneumococcus, and Hib reduce the incidence of severe infections.
What is the role of handwashing in preventing upper respiratory infections?
Reduces the spread of respiratory viruses and bacteria.
What is the role of breastfeeding in preventing upper respiratory infections?
Provides passive immunity and reduces the risk of infections in infants.
What is the role of environmental factors in upper respiratory infections?
Exposure to tobacco smoke and indoor pollution increases the risk of infections.
What is the role of daycare attendance in upper respiratory infections?
Children in daycare have a higher incidence of respiratory infections due to close contact.
What is the role of age in upper respiratory infections?
Young children are more susceptible due to immature immune systems.
What is the role of seasonality in upper respiratory infections?
Infections are more common in fall and winter due to increased viral circulation.
What is the role of antibiotics in upper respiratory infections?
Antibiotics are only effective for bacterial infections, not viral infections.
What is the role of corticosteroids in upper respiratory infections?
Used in croup and severe cases of inflammation to reduce airway swelling.
What is the role of antipyretics in upper respiratory infections?
Used to reduce fever and discomfort, but do not treat the underlying infection.
What is the role of nasal saline in upper respiratory infections?
Helps relieve nasal congestion and improve breathing.
What is the role of hydration in upper respiratory infections?
Prevents dehydration and helps thin mucus secretions.
What is the role of rest in upper respiratory infections?
Supports the immune system and promotes recovery.
What is the role of humidifiers in upper respiratory infections?
Helps relieve nasal congestion and soothe irritated airways.
