Introduction to the Respiratory System

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract infections?

  • Viruses, mainly rhinoviruses (correct)
  • Fungi like Aspergillus
  • Allergies to pollen
  • Bacteria such as Streptococcus A

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with an upper respiratory tract infection?

  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Constant abdominal pain (correct)
  • Fever

Which component of the upper respiratory tract, when infected, results in rhinitis?

  • Epiglottis
  • Pharynx
  • Larynx
  • Nasal cavity (correct)

Which method is NOT effective in preventing upper respiratory tract infections?

<p>Ignoring hygiene practices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment for bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract?

<p>Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom resulting from the body's inflammatory response to infection?

<p>Fever (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Through which means are upper respiratory tract infections most commonly transmitted?

<p>Airborne droplets and hand-to-mouth contact (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the body’s immune system in viral infections of the upper respiratory tract?

<p>To fight off the virus without specific treatment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Infections in which area can lead to pharyngitis?

<p>Pharynx (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is commonly used to reduce fever in upper respiratory tract infections?

<p>Acetaminophen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Viruses are a rare cause of upper respiratory infections.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Streptococcus A is a common bacterial cause of upper respiratory infections.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The epiglottis is part of the upper respiratory tract that can become infected.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Handwashing has no impact on preventing upper respiratory infections.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fever can be a symptom of an upper respiratory infection.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Laryngitis refers to infection of the nose.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hydration is important in the treatment of upper respiratory infections.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Direct contact and airborne routes are both methods of transmitting upper respiratory infections.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acetaminophen can only be used for bacterial infections.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rhinitis is an infection specifically affecting the voice box.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mucus in the respiratory tract?

<p>To trap and expel invading particles and microbes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the respiratory tract marks the beginning of the lower respiratory tract?

<p>Trachea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structures aid in the movement of mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract?

<p>Ciliated epithelial cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the cough and sneeze reflexes in the respiratory system?

<p>Irritation from mucus production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract?

<p>It encompasses the larynx and includes the nasal cavity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URT)

An infection affecting the nasal passages, pharynx, and other structures in the upper respiratory system.

Common Cold

A common viral infection causing URT symptoms, most often rhinoviruses.

Sore Throat

Pain or discomfort in the throat, often associated with infections.

Runny Nose

Discharge from the nose, a symptom of URT infections.

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Fever

An elevated body temperature, a symptom of infection.

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Rhinovirus

A type of virus that frequently causes the common cold.

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Bacterial Infection

An infection caused by disease-causing bacteria rather than viruses.

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Antibiotics

Medicines that fight bacterial infections.

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Hydration

Drinking enough fluids to maintain proper bodily functions.

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Symptom Relief

Treatment to lessen the severity of symptoms like sore throat or stuffiness.

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URI Symptoms

Sore throat, nasal congestion, fever are common signs of an upper respiratory infection.

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Upper Respiratory Tract

The nose, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and upper trachea.

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Strep Throat Cause

Caused by the bacteria Streptococcus A (strep A).

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Viral vs. Bacterial

Infections can come from viruses (like colds) or bacteria (like strep).

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Infection Transmission

Spread through contact, touching infected surfaces and breathing droplets released from sneezing or coughing (airborne).

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Nasal Congestion Cause

Infection of the nasal cavity causing a runny or stuffy nose.

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Fever in URI

Elevated body temperature (above normal) as the body fights infection.

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Common URI Cause

Viruses, like rhiniviruses, are the most common cause of the upper respiratory illness.

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Preventing URI

Handwashing and covering coughs/sneezes are important preventative measures.

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URI Treatment Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids helps to flush out pathogens and thin mucus.

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Upper Respiratory Tract

The part of the respiratory system including the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, and larynx.

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Lower Respiratory Tract

The part of the respiratory system including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.

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Respiratory Tract Defense

Mucus traps microbes and cilia push them out, along with cough/sneeze reflexes.

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Respiratory Mucus

A sticky substance that lines the respiratory tract, trapping microbes.

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Ciliated Epithelial Cells

Cells with tiny hairs that move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory system.

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Study Notes

Infection of Upper Respiratory Tract

  • The speaker is currently experiencing an infection of the upper respiratory tract (URT)
  • The speaker has:
    • Sore throat
    • Stuffy and runny nose
    • Fever (101.8 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.8 degrees Celsius)

Infection Explained

  • An infection is when a pathogen enters the body's tissues and cells causing a reaction
  • The most common pathogens for URT infections are:
    • Bacteria: Usually a chain of bacteria
    • Viruses: The most common type being rhinoviruses

Upper Respiratory Tract Anatomy

  • URT is a general term with several components:
    • Nasal cavity: If infected, it is called rhinitis
    • Pharynx: This is the back of the throat where the uvula hangs, a sore throat is called pharyngitis
    • Epiglottis: A flap that covers the airway when swallowing, infection here is epiglottitis
    • Larynx: Houses the vocal cords, an infection here is laryngitis
    • Trachea (windpipe): While typically not part of the URT in discussions, infections can occur here (tracheitis)

Symptoms of URT Infections

  • Runny or Stuffy Nose: An overreaction to illness, the body is trying to clear the pathogens
  • Sore Throat: The body's cells are damaged by the pathogens
  • Fever: Another sign of the body's inflammatory response to infection

Causes of URT Infections

  • Most common cause: Viruses, mainly rhinoviruses (also known as the common cold)
  • Other viral causes: Influenza virus (flu), coronaviruses, adenoviruses and over 200 other viruses
  • Bacterial causes: Usually streptococcus bacteria, mainly Streptococcus A

Transmission of URT Infections

  • Hand-to-mouth contact: Touching the nose and mouth after contact with contaminated surfaces
  • Airborne transmission: Droplets released through coughing and sneezing

Prevention of URT Infections

  • Handwashing: Regular handwashing to remove pathogens
  • Covering coughs and sneezes: Use your elbow or a tissue to contain droplets
  • Vaccination: Flu vaccines can protect against influenza virus

Treatment of URT Infections

  • Viral infections: No specific treatment, the body's immune system must fight the virus
    • Supportive care: Drink fluids, rest
  • Bacterial infections: Antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor

Support Treatment

  • Hydration: Replenishes fluids lost during illness
  • Symptom relief: Throat lozenges, nasal spray
  • Fever reduction: Acetaminophen (paracetamol or Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Conclusion

  • Most URT infections are caused by viruses
  • Viruses lack a specific treatment, the body's immune system must fight it
  • The speaker's infection is caused by Streptococcus A, which is a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics
  • Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.

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