Ch40 Upper Respiratory Disorders

Epistaxis (nosebleeds) are caused by?

trauma, dryness

How to treat epistaxis?

lean forward, squeeze nose for 10min

Croup

Caused by parainfluenza virus

- barking cough, stridor, hoarseness

- inflamed larynx, trachea, bronchi = swelling and airway obstruction

- infects 6mo-3yrs

Spread via droplets

Croup precautions (highly contagious)

droplet precautions

What virus causes croup?

Parainfluenza virus

Key signs of Croup?

Barking cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness

Croup treatment meds?

Corticosteroids (dexamethasone or racemic epinephrine) to reduce inflammation

Influenza

Caused by

- Influenza A virus (severe, causes pandemics)

- Influenza B virus (seasonal, mild)

Spread by droplets

High risk group for influenza?

<5 years (especially <2), asthma, chronic illness, Immunocompromised

What is the antiviral for influenza?

Oseltamivir, start within 48hrs of symptom onset

What age should the annual influenza vaccine be given?

children older than 6months

Pharyngitis (viral or bacterial)

sore throat that peaks in 5-15yrs

Viral pharyngitis (most common)

Mild symptoms

treated with oral analgesics and gargling warm water

Bacterial pharyngitis (strep throat)

Severe symptoms, leads to rheumatic fever if untreated

sudden fever, red swollen tonsils, white spots

Acute nasal pharyngitis (common cold)

Common cold caused by rhinovirus

Nasal inflammation, mucus production, mild symptoms

No cure, treatment is alleviating symptoms (fluids, bulb suction, antipyretics)