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Questions and Answers
What is the primary non-pharmacological management recommendation for patients with sudden onset respiratory symptoms?
What is the primary non-pharmacological management recommendation for patients with sudden onset respiratory symptoms?
Which diagnostic method has the best sensitivity for detecting respiratory viruses?
Which diagnostic method has the best sensitivity for detecting respiratory viruses?
In which scenario should antiviral medications be administered beyond 48 hours of symptom onset?
In which scenario should antiviral medications be administered beyond 48 hours of symptom onset?
What symptom is NOT typically associated with sudden onset respiratory illnesses?
What symptom is NOT typically associated with sudden onset respiratory illnesses?
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Which of the following antiviral treatments is appropriate for patients over 12 years of age?
Which of the following antiviral treatments is appropriate for patients over 12 years of age?
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Which of the following is NOT recommended for home isolation during an illness?
Which of the following is NOT recommended for home isolation during an illness?
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What is a pharmacological treatment option for mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk patients?
What is a pharmacological treatment option for mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk patients?
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Which symptom indicates that urgent medical care may be needed?
Which symptom indicates that urgent medical care may be needed?
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Which of the following groups is considered high risk for severe disease progression?
Which of the following groups is considered high risk for severe disease progression?
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What is the recommended duration of symptoms improvement before ending home isolation?
What is the recommended duration of symptoms improvement before ending home isolation?
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What is considered the most common complication associated with the disease mentioned?
What is considered the most common complication associated with the disease mentioned?
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Which of these is a common non-pharmacological approach for managing high-risk households?
Which of these is a common non-pharmacological approach for managing high-risk households?
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What diagnostic method is considered the standard for detecting the disease?
What diagnostic method is considered the standard for detecting the disease?
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Which symptom is NOT typically associated with the condition described?
Which symptom is NOT typically associated with the condition described?
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What is the incubation period range for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2?
What is the incubation period range for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2?
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What is the most common etiology of upper respiratory tract infections?
What is the most common etiology of upper respiratory tract infections?
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Which symptom is NOT typically associated with upper respiratory tract infections?
Which symptom is NOT typically associated with upper respiratory tract infections?
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In which season is acute bronchitis most commonly observed?
In which season is acute bronchitis most commonly observed?
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What is the typical expected course duration for upper respiratory infections?
What is the typical expected course duration for upper respiratory infections?
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Which of the following is a key management strategy for acute bronchitis?
Which of the following is a key management strategy for acute bronchitis?
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What type of cough is typically associated with acute bronchitis?
What type of cough is typically associated with acute bronchitis?
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Which condition is considered a differential diagnosis for acute bronchitis?
Which condition is considered a differential diagnosis for acute bronchitis?
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What is an important consideration for pediatric patients with respiratory complaints?
What is an important consideration for pediatric patients with respiratory complaints?
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What should be avoided in the treatment of acute bronchitis?
What should be avoided in the treatment of acute bronchitis?
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What is a recommended follow-up action if symptoms of upper respiratory infections worsen?
What is a recommended follow-up action if symptoms of upper respiratory infections worsen?
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Study Notes
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- A general term (URI) representing common respiratory infections.
- Primarily caused by viral agents, making antibiotics often unnecessary.
- Over 50% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions for URIs are deemed inappropriate.
Symptoms
- Common symptoms include nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, pharyngitis, cough, lymphadenopathy, low-grade fever, body aches, and sinus pressure.
Assessment Findings
- Key findings may involve injected conjunctivae, erythematous pharynx with or without exudate, and abnormal lung sounds such as wheezing.
Management
- Recommended care includes rest, hydration, proper hand hygiene, and medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, or topical decongestants.
- Pediatric patients under one year should avoid cough/cold medications due to botulism risk, with alternatives like cool mist humidifiers and nasal saline recommended.
Expected Course
- Typically self-limiting, lasting about 5 to 7 days.
- Follow-up warranted if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 10-14 days, indicating potential bacterial infection.
Acute Bronchitis
- Characterized by inflammation of the trachea and major bronchi, leading to a cough lasting 1-3 weeks, occasionally accompanied by dyspnea and wheezing.
- Causative agents are mostly viral including adenovirus, rhinovirus, and influenza.
Symptoms
- Dry cough transitioning to productive, fatigue, and pleuritic chest pain are common; colored sputum does not predict bacterial involvement.
Differentials
- Other considerations include common cold, pneumonia, influenza, and asthma among others.
Diagnostics
- Chest X-ray not routinely indicated unless pneumonia is suspected; can evaluate for pertussis or COVID as needed.
Management
- Non-pharmacological treatments emphasize increased hydration, rest, and smoking cessation.
- Caution against antibiotics and decongestants unless secondary infections arise, with short-term antitussive options available.
Expected Course
- Symptoms may last 3-4 weeks, with follow-up in 7 days if no improvement occurs, particularly in high-risk groups.
Influenza
- Highly contagious viral illness affecting nasal mucosa and respiratory tracts, most severe in young, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms
- Sudden onset including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and gastrointestinal issues.
Differentials
- Often confused with the common cold, pneumonia, or other respiratory infections.
Diagnostics
- Rapid antigen tests are commonly used, with PCR providing the highest sensitivity but at greater cost.
Management
- Emphasis on antiviral agents if administered within 48 hours of symptom onset; supportive therapies include hydration and antipyretics.
Possible Complications
- Notable complications include pneumonia, sinusitis, and acute otitis media.
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
- Causing COVID-19; incubation period is typically 2-24 days, with respiratory droplets facilitating transmission.
Symptoms
- Present with fever, cough, nasal symptoms, and gastrointestinal complaints; severe cases may show increased respiratory distress and lung infiltrates.
Diagnostics
- RT-PCR remains the standard, while rapid antigen tests serve as a common, quicker alternative.
Management
- Focus on symptomatic care and patient education on urgent care signs. Isolation until improvement and resolution of fever is advised.
High-Risk Considerations
- Special attention for individuals with comorbidities; may require monoclonal antibodies if progression towards severe disease is identified.
Follow-up and Referral Criteria
- Pertinent referrals to emergency department based on symptom persistence or severity, especially concerning respiratory stridor or significant oxygen saturation drops.
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Description
This quiz covers the essentials of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URIs), including their causes, symptoms, assessment findings, and management strategies. Learn about the viral nature of these infections and why antibiotics are often unnecessary. Gain insights into the expected course of URIs and best care practices, especially for pediatric patients.
