URTI

Question 1

What is a URTI?

Answer 1

An infection of the upper respiratory tract (i.e. sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx and larynx)

Question 2

What is rhinitis?

Answer 2

Inflammation of nasal cavity

Question 3

What 5 areas does nasopharyngitis (common cold) affect?

Answer 3

Nose
Pharynx
Hypopharynx
Uvula
Tonsils

Question 4

What is the simplified term for oral candidiasis?

Answer 4

Thrush

Question 5

How do most URTIs spread?

Answer 5

Inhalation or aspiration of respiratory droplets from host

Question 6

What are 3 physical barriers to prevent viral/bacterial invasion of the URT?

Answer 6

Hair lining nose
Wet mucus inside nasal cavity
Cilia lining trachea

Question 7

What are 2 examples of immune system defence against viral/bacterial invasion of the URT?

Answer 7

Adenoids and tonsils

Specialised cells, antibodies and chemicals within lymph nodes

Question 8

What are 3 lifestyle risk factors for URTIs?

Answer 8

Physical/Close contact
Poor hand washing
Smoking

Question 9

What are 2 general medical risk factors for URTIs?

Answer 9

Immunocompromised (eg HIV)
Anatomical abnormalities (eg facial trauma)

Question 10

What are the 2 causes of symptoms experienced by URTIs?

Answer 10

Toxins released by pathogens

Inflammatory response by immune system

Question 11

Name at least 4 common symptoms of a URTI?

Answer 11

Nasal congestion
Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
Sneezing
Sore throat
Painful swallowing
Cough
Fever
Malaise

Question 12

What is the typical timescale of a URTI?

Answer 12

3-14 days

Question 13

Name at least 4 signs you may expect to see for a URTI on physical examination?

Answer 13

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)

Question 14

In what 4 scenarios is lab testing appropriate for URTIs?

Answer 14

Suspected strep throat
Bacterial infection
Prolonged symptoms
Ebstein-Barr virus

Question 15

What is the typical treatment for viral URTIs?

Answer 15

No specific treatment

Question 16

What are 3 types of treatments that could be used to relieve URTI symptoms?

Answer 16

Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin)
Antihistamines
Decongestants (psuedoephedrine)
Nasal steroids

Question 17

What should be used to treat bacterial URTIs?

Answer 17

Antibiotics

Question 18

What are some complications of URTIs?

Answer 18

Secondary infection by bacteria
Respiratory compromise (epiglottis)
Meningitis
Peritonsillar abcess
Rheumatic fever (from strep throat)

Question 19

What are 4 general lifestyle aspects that can be performed to prevent obtaining a URTI?

Answer 19

Smoking cessation
Stress reduction
Healthy diet
Exercise

Question 20

What can be done from birth to help prevent risk or URTI?

Answer 20

Breastfeeding

Question 21

What is the main causative organism of the common cold?

Answer 21

Rhinovirus

Question 22

What are 3 signs you may expect to see on a patient with tonsillitis or a sore throat on examination?

Answer 22

Inflamed fauces and pharynx
Enlarged tonsils
Pus on pharynx

Question 23

What is the most common bacteria responsible for sore throat and tonsillitis?

Answer 23

Streptococcus pyogenes

Question 24

What is the most common virus type to cause sore throat and tonsillitis?

Answer 24

Adenoviruses

Question 25

What is the most typical sign of oral candidiasis?

Answer 25

White plaques over tongue and mouth

Question 26

What bacteria is oral candidiasis caused by?

Answer 26

Candida albicans

Question 27

What is the primary example of an Infectious Mononucleosis?

Answer 27

Epstein Barr Virus

Question 28

What are 3 of the main clinical features of infectious mononucleosis?

Answer 28

Sore throat
Lymphadenopathy
Fever