URTIs part 2 Flashcards
What is epiglottitis?
Inflammation of the epiglottis which can swell to obstruct the airways
What age group is epiglottitis most commonly seen in?
Under 5 y/os
What is the most common organism responsible for epiglottitis?
H influenzae
What are symptoms of epiglottitis?
Tripoding (leaning forwards, mouth open and tongue out to get air in)
Sore throat
SOB
how is epiglottitis diagnosed?
Gold standard = Laryngoscopy
lateral XR shows thumb print sign
What is whooping cough?
Chronic cough caused by Bordella pertussis
What are the characteristics of Bordetella Pertussis?
Gram negative bacilli
What age group does whooping cough mainly affect?
Under 5 y/os
What does Bordetella pertussis bacteria attach to?
Cilia, and produce toxins which paralyse the cilia and cause inflammation of respiratory tract
What is the adhesin of Bordetella Pertussis to the respiratory epithelium?
filamentous hemagglutinin
During the initial catarrhal stage of whooping cough, the bacteria multiply in the URT and individuals become contagious. What are the symptoms at this point?
Mild cough
Runny nose
Sneezing
Low grade fever
After 1-2 weeks of catarrhal stage of whooping cough, the p____ stage occurs
paroxysmal
What occurs during the paroxysmal stage of whooping cough?
Severe and prolonged bouts of coughing
Characteristic high-pitched “whooping” as struggles to inhale air after coughing.
Coughing fits in whooping cough may become so severe it causes…
Vomiting (due to intense pressure in chest)
After the paroxysmal stage (several weeks/months) is the c____ stage whereby coughing episodes decrease and there may be a lingering cough and fatigue
convalescent
What are complications of whooping cough?
Pneumonia
Otitis media
Encephalopathy
Seizures
Respiratory failure
Which toxin produced by Bordetella pertussis inhibits phagocyte chemotaxis?
Adenylate cyclase toxin
What does pertussis toxin do?
Inhibits alveolar macrophages
What does adenylate cyclase toxin do?
Inhibits phagocyte chemotaxis
What is another name for croup?
Laryngobronchitis
What is croup / laryngobronchitis?
An occasional complication of upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI), inflammation and swelling of larynx, trachea and bronchi.
Most commonly viral infection like parainfluenza
What age group does croup affect?
Under 3 y/os
What are symptoms of croup?
Hoarse voice
Barking cough
Stridor (high pitched wheeze when inhaling)
Respiratory distress
Cyanosis
What is treatment for croup?
Most cases resolve within a few days
if more severe, single dose of dexamethasone
