Respiratory Tract Infections: Rhinitis and Rhinosinusitis

Rhinitis (鼻炎)

• Caused by viruses such as Rhinoviruses, Coronavirus, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and Parainfluenza
• Can lead to winter onset respiratory influenza
• Inflammation can occur in the pharyngeal area, leading to adenovirus infection and pus in the conjunctiva
• Can mimic bacterial infection

Rhinosinusitis (鼻竇炎)

• Can be fungal in immunocompromised individuals
• Rare and often associated with diabetes
• Characterized by fluid buildup in the sinus area, leading to colonization by organisms and pus production
• Often allergic in the first instance, with anatomical issues affecting drainage ability
• Chronic infection may require drainage, and buildup of a thick, tenacious membrane can occur

Pharyngitis (咽喉炎)

• Caused by viruses in 90% of cases, with GAS (Group A Streptococcus) responsible for the remaining 10%

Laryngitis (喉炎)

• Caused by viruses, with occasional incursion of organisms into the larynx and trachea
• Inflammation occurs when the mucociliary escalator is damaged, allowing viruses to take advantage

Organisms

• Haemophilus has different strains, including one with a polysaccharide capsule (Group B polysaccharide), which is invasive and can cause meningitis
• Haemophilus can cause pus production
• Staph, Strep, and Moraxella are other organisms that can cause infections

Epstein-Barr Virus (愛潑斯坦巴爾病毒)

• Causes glandular fever and infectious mononucleosis
• First growth occurs in the throat, requiring quick diagnosis and rest to prevent prolonged symptoms and chronic fatigue

Rhinitis (鼻炎)

• Caused by viruses such as Rhinoviruses, Coronavirus, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and Parainfluenza
• Can lead to winter onset respiratory influenza
• Inflammation can occur in the pharyngeal area, leading to adenovirus infection and pus in the conjunctiva
• Can mimic bacterial infection

Rhinosinusitis (鼻竇炎)

• Can be fungal in immunocompromised individuals
• Rare and often associated with diabetes
• Characterized by fluid buildup in the sinus area, leading to colonization by organisms and pus production
• Often allergic in the first instance, with anatomical issues affecting drainage ability
• Chronic infection may require drainage, and buildup of a thick, tenacious membrane can occur

Pharyngitis (咽喉炎)

• Caused by viruses in 90% of cases, with GAS (Group A Streptococcus) responsible for the remaining 10%

Laryngitis (喉炎)

• Caused by viruses, with occasional incursion of organisms into the larynx and trachea
• Inflammation occurs when the mucociliary escalator is damaged, allowing viruses to take advantage

Organisms

• Haemophilus has different strains, including one with a polysaccharide capsule (Group B polysaccharide), which is invasive and can cause meningitis
• Haemophilus can cause pus production
• Staph, Strep, and Moraxella are other organisms that can cause infections

Epstein-Barr Virus (愛潑斯坦巴爾病毒)

• Causes glandular fever and infectious mononucleosis
• First growth occurs in the throat, requiring quick diagnosis and rest to prevent prolonged symptoms and chronic fatigue

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and characteristics of Rhinitis and Rhinosinusitis, including viral and fungal infections, and their effects on the respiratory and sinus systems.