Upper Respiratory & Infectious Airway Disorders

A set of 30 vocabulary-based flashcards focusing on upper respiratory tract anatomy, inflammatory disorders, infections (Influenza, COVID-19), and sleep disorders based on the lecture notes.

Upper respiratory tract

Part of the respiratory system composed of the nose, mouth, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx, responsible for warming, humidifying, and filtering air.

Rhinitis

Inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes lining the nose.

Allergic Rhinitis

A response from exposure to allergens such as environmental factors (mold, dust mites), foods (cow’s milk, nuts), or medications.

Non-allergic Rhinitis

A nasal response not involving the immune system, commonly caused by strong odors, cleaning products, weather changes, or spicy foods.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

A first-generation antihistamine used in the treatment of rhinitis.

Loratadine (Alavert or Claritin)

A second-generation antihistamine used in the treatment of rhinitis.

Guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex)

An expectorant medication used to help clear secretions in rhinitis and rhinosinusitis.

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)

A mucolytic medication used in the medical management of rhinitis symptoms.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

A decongestant medication used to treat symptoms in upper respiratory disorders.

Rhinosinusitis

Symptomatic inflammation of the nasal and paranasal cavities, which can be bacterial or viral in origin.

Orbital cellulitis

A potential complication of rhinosinusitis if the condition is left untreated.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

A surgical procedure indicated for cases of chronic sinusitis that do not respond to medical management.

Epistaxis

A nosebleed that can occur as either an anterior or posterior bleed.

Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

A nasal spray used to induce vasoconstriction in the treatment of epistaxis or as a decongestant.

Pledget (Rhino Rocket)

A device placed by a provider to treat anterior epistaxis.

Arterial embolization

A procedure a patient may undergo if epistaxis bleeding continues despite standard treatments.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A condition where the upper airway is obstructed during sleep, resulting in no movement of air or gas exchange.

Polysomnography

A sleep study used as the diagnostic tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

The treatment of choice for OSA that keeps the airway open with a positive pressure stream.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound)

A medication indicated for the management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Epiglottitis

An inflammatory condition affecting the epiglottis that can cause life-threatening airway obstruction.

Stridor

A clinical manifestation of epiglottitis characterized by a high-pitched wheezing sound during breathing.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx caused by infections, pollutants, GERD, asthma inhalers, or vocal strain.

Laryngeal Cancer

Cancer that originates from changes in squamous cells due to irritation, often linked to smoking or heavy alcohol intake.

Odynophagia

Pain with swallowing, which is a symptom of laryngeal cancer.

Influenza

A highly contagious infection caused by A, B, or C viruses spread through droplets or fomites.

Epidemic

A local outbreak of an infectious disease affecting more than an expected population.

Pandemic

An outbreak of an infectious disease spreading across a large geographical area.

Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests

The gold standard diagnostic test used for identifying COVID-19.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

A potential complication of a COVID-19 infection.