Upper Respiratory Tract Infection PDF

# Upper Respiratory Tract Infection **By Medrockets** ## Respiratory Infections Infections of the respiratory tract can occur in: 1. The upper respiratory tract 2. The lower respiratory tract 3. Both Organisms capable of infecting respiratory structures include: 1. Bacteria 2. Viruses: the ma...

# Upper Respiratory Tract Infection **By Medrockets** ## Respiratory Infections Infections of the respiratory tract can occur in: 1. The upper respiratory tract 2. The lower respiratory tract 3. Both Organisms capable of infecting respiratory structures include: 1. Bacteria 2. Viruses: the majority of upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses such as rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus 3. Fungi Depending on the organism and extent of infection, the symptoms can range from mild to severe and even life threatening. ## Respiratory Defense Mechanisms * The respiratory tract is protected by a number of very effective defense mechanisms. * For an organism to reach the lower respiratory tract, the organism must be particularly virulent and present in very large numbers, or the host defense barriers must be weakened. * Factors that might weaken respiratory defense barriers: * Cigarette smoking, which can paralyze the cilia lining the cells of the respiratory passages and impair removal of secretions, particles, and microorganisms * The presence of a respiratory pathogen such as the cold or influenza virus. ## Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ### The Common Cold * The most common viral pathogens for the "common cold" are rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and coronavirus. * They enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose and eye. They are readily spread from person to person via respiratory secretions. * Manifestations of the common cold include: * Rhinitis - Inflammation of the nasal mucosa * Sinusitis - Inflammation of the sinus mucosa * Pharyngitis - Inflammation of the pharynx and throat * Headache * Nasal discharge and congestion ### Influenza * Symptoms of influenza infection: * Headache * Fever, chills * Muscle aches * Nasal discharge * Unproductive cough * Sore throat * Influenza infection can cause marked inflammation of the respiratory epithelium and a loss of ciliated cells that protect the respiratory passages from other organisms. * As a result, influenza infection may lead to co-infection of respiratory passages with bacteria. * It is also possible for the influenza virus to infect the tissues of the lung itself to cause viral pneumonia. ## Treatment Of Influenza * Bed rest, fluids, warmth * Antiviral drugs * Influenza vaccine: * Provides protection against certain A and B influenza strains that are expected to be prevalent in a certain year * The vaccine must be updated and administered yearly to be effective, but will not be effective against influenza strains not included in the vaccine * The influenza vaccine is advised for elderly people, for individuals weakened by other disease and for health-care workers. ## Comparison of Symptoms | Symptoms | COLD | INFLUENZA | |:------------------------------------|:--------------:|:--------------:| | Fever | Rare | 39-40° | | Headache | Rare | Usual | | Body aches | Mild | Severe | | Weakness | Mild | May last 3 wks | | Extreme Fatigue | Unusual | Usual | | Nasal congestion | Common | Common | | Sneezing | Common | Sometimes | | Sore throat | Common | Common | | Chest Discomfort / Cough | Mild | Mod-Severe | ## Asthma ### What is It? * Asthma is a chronic lung disease that obstructs airflow. * The obstruction is reversible. * It involves difficulty in breathing due to: * Inflammation (swelling) * Mucus in the airways * Tightening of muscles around the airways ### Anatomy of the Airways * An image showcases the difference between a normal bronchiole and an asthmatic one. ### Asthma Triggers | Triggers | Examples | |------------------------------------------|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Air pollutants, including dusts, smoke, | **Diesel Exhaust**; **Tobacco Smoke**, **Mineral**, **Rock**, **Coal**, & **Wood dusts**; **Gases**; **Fumes & Vapors** from aerosol agents, chemicals, cleaning materials, solvents, paints, welding, and from heating & cooling metals quickly | | mists, & fumes | | | Pollens, mites, & molds | Trees, flowers, weeds, hay, plants | | Animal dander | Birds, cats, dogs | | Medications | Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs | | Foods | Egg, wheat, nuts | ### Symptoms of Asthma * Coughing * Wheezing, a whistling sound * Shortness of breath * Chest tightness * Sneezing & runny nose * Itchy and inflamed eyes ### Can Asthma Be Cured * Asthma can be controlled (but not cured) by: * Avoiding triggers or reducing exposure to triggers * Using medication to control symptoms * Medications - generally two types are used: * Long-term drugs: * Taken to prevent excess production of mucus and to reduce the inflammation and constriction of airway muscles. * Rescue, or quick-relief drugs: * Taken to relax muscles around the airways to improve breathing. ### What to Do If You Have Asthma * Identify and minimize contact with your asthma trigger(s). * Understand and take asthma medications as prescribed. * Recognize early signs that your asthma is getting worse. * Know what to do when your asthma is getting worse. ## Laryngitis * An inflammation of the larynx. * It causes hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice, because of irritation to the vocal folds. ## Bronchitis * Bronchitis is an inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. * Most prevalent in winter. * Generally part of an acute URI. * It may develop after a common cold, or other viral infection of the nasopharynx, throat, or bronchi. * Often with secondary bacterial infection. ## Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis 1. Malaise 2. Chilliness 3. Slight fever 4. Back and muscle pain 5. Sore throat 6. Onset of a distressing cough usually signals onset of bronchitis. 7. Cough starts off dry and later produces mucous. ## Treatment of Bronchitis 1. The patient should rest until fever subsides. 2. Drink plenty of fluids. 3. Fever reducer. ## Strep Throat * Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat and the tonsils. The tissues become irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat. * Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different strains of strep bacteria, some of which cause more serious illness than others. ## Symptoms of Strep Throat * The most common symptoms of strep throat are: * A sudden, severe sore throat * Pain or difficulty swallowing * Fever over 101 F * Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes * White or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat * Headache and abdominal pain * Strep can cause a red skin rash, vomiting, loss of appetite and a general feeling of discomfort or illness. ## Diagnosis of Strep Throat * Strep throat is diagnosed with a physical examination, medical history, and a rapid strep test. A throat culture is sometimes done to confirm the results of the rapid strep test. ## Treatment For Strep Throat * Strep throat will go away in 3 to 7 days. However, strep throat is still treated with antibiotics even if they do not speed recovery. * Antibiotics kill the strep bacteria, shorten the time you are contagious, and reduce the risk of complications, such as the infection spreading to other parts of your body. * Your health professional may also recommend nonprescription medications to relieve pain and discomfort and reduce fever caused by strep throat.