URTI Flashcards
What is a URTI?
An infection of the upper respiratory tract (i.e. sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx and larynx)
What is rhinitis?
Inflammation of nasal cavity
What 5 areas does nasopharyngitis (common cold) affect?
Nose Pharynx Hypopharynx Uvula Tonsils
What is the simplified term for oral candidiasis?
Thrush
How do most URTIs spread?
Inhalation or aspiration of respiratory droplets from host
What are 3 physical barriers to prevent viral/bacterial invasion of the URT?
Hair lining nose
Wet mucus inside nasal cavity
Cilia lining trachea
What are 2 examples of immune system defence against viral/bacterial invasion of the URT?
Adenoids and tonsils
Specialised cells, antibodies and chemicals within lymph nodes
What are 3 lifestyle risk factors for URTIs?
Physical/Close contact
Poor hand washing
Smoking
What are 2 general medical risk factors for URTIs?
Immunocompromised (eg HIV) Anatomical abnormalities (eg facial trauma)
What are the 2 causes of symptoms experienced by URTIs?
Toxins released by pathogens
Inflammatory response by immune system
Name at least 4 common symptoms of a URTI?
Nasal congestion Rhinorrhea (runny nose) Sneezing Sore throat Painful swallowing Cough Fever Malaise
What is the typical timescale of a URTI?
3-14 days
Name at least 4 signs you may expect to see for a URTI on physical examination?
Swollen/Redness inside naval cavity Redness of throat Tonsil enlargement White secretions on tongue or tonsils (exudates) Enlarged lymph nodes Redness of eyes Sinusitis (facial tenderness)
In what 4 scenarios is lab testing appropriate for URTIs?
Suspected strep throat
Bacterial infection
Prolonged symptoms
Ebstein-Barr virus
What is the typical treatment for viral URTIs?
No specific treatment
What are 3 types of treatments that could be used to relieve URTI symptoms?
Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin)
Antihistamines
Decongestants (psuedoephedrine)
Nasal steroids
What should be used to treat bacterial URTIs?
Antibiotics
What are some complications of URTIs?
Secondary infection by bacteria Respiratory compromise (epiglottis) Meningitis Peritonsillar abcess Rheumatic fever (from strep throat)
What are 4 general lifestyle aspects that can be performed to prevent obtaining a URTI?
Smoking cessation
Stress reduction
Healthy diet
Exercise
What can be done from birth to help prevent risk or URTI?
Breastfeeding
What is the main causative organism of the common cold?
Rhinovirus
What are 3 signs you may expect to see on a patient with tonsillitis or a sore throat on examination?
Inflamed fauces and pharynx
Enlarged tonsils
Pus on pharynx
What is the most common bacteria responsible for sore throat and tonsillitis?
Streptococcus pyogenes
What is the most common virus type to cause sore throat and tonsillitis?
Adenoviruses
