URTIs in Children

Question 1

What is rhinitis?

Answer 1

Common cold.
Often in the winter months.
A self-limiting condition.
Prodrome to pneumonia, bronchiolitis, meningitis, and septicaemia.
Runny nose - ~2 weeks.

Question 2

What is otitis media?

Answer 2

A common and self-limiting viral infection.
A bulging, red eardrum (spontaneous rupture).
Secondary infection - pneumococcus / haemophilus.
Antibiotics are unhelpful.
Ear ache - ~1 week.

Question 3

What are tonsillitis and pharyngitis?

Answer 3

Viral - don’t treat.
Bacterial - penicillin (10 days). Can show scarlet fever or fever.
Based on throat swabs.

Do not prescribe amoxicillin!
Symptoms last 2-3 days.

Question 4

What is croup?

Answer 4

Caused by parainfluenza I.
Common.
Symptoms include - a cold, stridor, hoarse voice, and a barking cough.
Treat with oral dexamethasone.

Question 5

What is epiglottitis?

Answer 5

Caused by Haemophilus or Influenzae Type B.
Rare.
Symptoms include stridor and drooling.
Treat with intubation and antibiotics.