Upper Respiratory Infections and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and epistaxis.

Rhinitis

Inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose causing nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and itching.

Acute Sinusitis

An inflammatory process involving the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, characterized by obstruction of the nasal cavity, purulent discharge, facial pain, and fluid accumulation.

Hyposmia

A decreased sense of smell that serves as a clinical manifestation of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Rebound Nasal Congestion

A complication caused by using over-the-counter topical nasal decongestants for longer than 3 days.

Pharynx

The anatomical passageway comprising the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Pharyngitis

Acute inflammation of the pharynx involving the back portion of the tongue, soft palate, and tonsils, commonly caused by viral agents or Group A streptococcus.

Scarlet Fever

A clinical presentation of streptococcal pharyngitis characterized by fever, malaise, vomiting, and a rash with urticaria.

Strawberry Tongue

A strawberry or raspberry-colored appearance of the tongue seen in patients with streptococcal pharyngitis and scarlet fever.

Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (APSGN)

A major complication developing approximately 10 days after a streptococcal infection, leading to temporary or persistent kidney failure, gross hematuria, edema, and hypertension.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx typically caused by viral infections, voice abuse, or environmental exposure to dust, chemicals, and smoke.

Aphonia

The complete loss of voice, which can occur as a clinical manifestation of laryngitis.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS)

A condition defined by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction and ventilation impairment during sleep, leading to oxyhemoglobin desaturations, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cardiovascular risks.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A treatment device that applies positive pressure in the airways to prevent collapse, consisting of an air pump connected to a nasal, oral, or combined mask.

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)

A non-invasive ventilation system providing pressure-support ventilation with independent control of inspiratory and expiratory pressures.

Epistaxis

Acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx caused by the rupture of distended blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane.

Kiesselbach's Plexus

The vascular network in the anterior region of the nasal septum that serves as the origin for approximately 80% of anterior nosebleeds.

Epistaxis Management Interventions

Key steps to manage acute nosebleeds: sitting up and leaning forward, applying direct pressure below the nasal bone for 5 to 10 minutes, applying a cold pack to the bridge of the nose, and keeping calm.