Influenzae and Sialadenitis Overview

Influenzae and Related Infections

• Organisms: Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, β-hemolytic streptococci, Branhamella catarrhalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB) remains a concern for unvaccinated children and adults.
• Severe sore throat with normal pharynx appearance can indicate epiglottitis.
• Treatment typically includes corticosteroids and antibiotics, with ceftriaxone being most common.

Sialadenitis

• Bacterial infection of salivary glands, especially the parotid gland.
• Causes: Obstruction (stone) or gland hyposecretion, common in individuals aged 50-60, patients with xerostomia (Sjögren syndrome), and those who have received radiation therapy.
• Most common pathogen: Staphylococcus aureus.
• Symptoms: Fever, unilateral pain, swelling, tenderness, erythema, edema, pus expression from duct.
• Diagnosis: CT, ultrasonography, MRI, gram stain, culture.
• Treatment: Antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin/Clavulanate), hydration, analgesics, local measures.

Adenoids

• Mass of lymphatic tissue in the posterior nasopharynx, largest in children aged 2-6 years.
• Hypertrophy often results from infections, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux.
• Symptoms: Nasal obstruction, sleep disturbances, mouth breathing, middle ear effusion, hyponasal voice, halitosis, recurrent otitis media.
• Diagnosis through flexible nasopharyngoscopy.
• Treatments include addressing the underlying cause, potential adenoidectomy, and allergy treatments.

Larynx

• Connects laryngopharynx to trachea, consists of cartilaginous structures such as thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages.
• The epiglottis prevents food/liquids from entering the larynx during swallowing.
• Disorders may lead to dysphonia, requiring visualization through laryngoscopy if voice changes persist (>3 weeks).

Laryngitis

• Inflammation caused by viruses or overuse.
• Symptoms include hoarseness, decreased volume (aphonia).
• Diagnosis often involves laryngoscopy for symptoms lingering > 3 weeks.
• Most cases are viral and self-limited; treatment focuses on symptomatic relief (voice rest, steam inhalation).

Polyps, Nodules, and Granulomas

• Vocal cord changes due to acute trauma or chronic irritation.
• All result in hoarseness and breathy voice.
• Diagnosis via laryngoscopy and possibly biopsy.
• Polyps: Unilateral lesions, often due to injury or chronic irritation.
• Nodules: Bilateral, linked to chronic voice abuse.
• Granulomas: Result from intubation trauma, may be aggravated by reflux disease.

Carotid Pulse and Auscultation

• Carotid bruits indicate vascular abnormalities due to turbulent blood flow from atherosclerotic plaque.
• Palpation allows assessment of pulse strength, categorized from grade 0 (no pulse) to grade 4 (bounding pulse).
• Carotid auscultation indicates possible cerebrovascular disease.

Respiratory System Structure

• Two parts: Conducting (nose and pharynx) and Respiratory (larynx, bronchi, lungs) systems.
• Nose functions: Warming, moistening, filtering air, and olfactory detection.

Epistaxis

• Nosebleeding; avoid tilting head back to prevent swallowing blood.
• Common causes: Local trauma, drying mucosa, hypertension.
• Anterior bleeds typically respond to direct pressure; posterior requires gauze compression or balloon tampons.

Rhinitis

• Inflammation of nasal mucous membrane, typically viral or allergic.
• Symptoms include nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (watery).
• Treatment includes humidification, corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, and appropriate antibiotics for bacterial superinfection.

Anosmia

• Complete loss of smell; caused by trauma or infections.
• Hyposmia refers to partial loss; both can result from URIs.
• Diagnosis often requires cranial imaging unless causes are obvious.

Pharynx

• Functions as a passage for air and food, facilitates voice resonance, and houses tonsils.
• Divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Tonsillopharyngitis and Related Conditions

• Common viral infections with GABHS as the primary bacterial cause.
• Symptoms include tonsillar exudate, fever, and lymphadenopathy; absence of cough suggests bacterial infection.
• Treatment involves antibiotics such as penicillin or alternatives for allergies.

Epiglottitis

• Involves inflammation of the epiglottis; can lead to severe breathing difficulties.
• Signs: Fever, respiratory distress, drooling, severe throat pain.
• Historically caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B; other causal organisms in adults include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.

This quiz covers important details regarding Haemophilus influenzae and related infections, including treatment approaches and concerns for unvaccinated individuals. Additionally, it delves into sialadenitis, its causes, symptoms, and common pathogens. Test your knowledge on these significant medical topics.