URTI in adults Flashcards
what are the main cause/es of URTI
mainly due to self limiting viral iinfections
is an URTI contagious
yes from person to person, by droplets from coughing or sneezing
what are some common examples of URTI
sinus infection common cold oral candidas tonsillitis tracheitis
what causes URTI
direct invasion of upper airway by virus or bacteria
what are some of our defense barriers that can defend us against URTI
hair lining the nose
wet mucus inside nose
cilia
immune system-tonsils and B cells
viruses and bacteria can still cause URTI desoite our defense mechanisms, how
produce toxins to impair the body’s defense
change shape or size of outer structural proteins
what is pertussis
whooping cough
why shouldnt you use a tongue depressor if suspect epiglottis
throat spasm could occur and close the airway completely
Is it worth doing laboratory testing in URTI
no as there is typically no specific treatment for different types of viral URTI
how would you treat epiglottitis
avoid instrumentation monitor for respiratory fatigue oxygen according to saturation start iv antibiotics according to culture specimens may need steroids
what are some complications that can happen because of an URTI
respiratory compromise especially from epiglottitis
secondary infection
peritonsillar abcess
Rheumatic fever from strep pyogenes throat
what are some common symptoms of epiglottitis
sore throat stridor muffled voice dry cough painful swallowing fever drooling
Bacterial pharyngitis signs?
Erythema, swelling, or exudates of the tonsils or pharynx
Temperature of 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher
Tender anterior cervical nodes (≥1 cm)
what is infectious mononucleosis also known as
acute glandular fever
what are common clinical features of infectious mononucleosis ( aka glandular fever)
sore throat fever palatal petechiae fine red rash Lymphadenopathy puffy eyes inflammation of the liver
if you suspect that a patient had glandular fever what tests could you do
blood film
monospot test
look for Epstein Barr virus itself-IgM raised in acute infection
what is the normal flora of the URTI in most people
Streptococcus viridans
neisseria
diptheriods
anaerobic cocci
why do URTI cause symptoms
symptoms result from
1.toxins released by pathogens
2.inflammatory response mounted by the immune system to fight the infection
when should a patient with an URTI see a doctor
> 2wks of symptoms that are sever or worsening
difficulty breathing
impaired swallowing
recurring URTI
when would you consider giving treatment for rhinosinusitis (the cold)
if symptoms dont improve after 10 days
if symptoms are severe or worsening
what are likely pathogens to cause rhinosinusitis
stretococcus pneumonia
heamophilus influenzae
moraxella catarrhalis
what Ab is firstline treatment for rhinosinusitis ( the cold)
amoxicillin or clavulanate
what is the treatment for strep pyogenes ( group A strep) sore throat
Oral penicillin or amoxicillin for 10 days
if a patient with strep pyogenes ( group A strep) sore throat was allergic to penicillin what are the other ab options
clindamycin or clarithromycin
