Common cold, influenza, pneumonia & bronchitis Flashcards
Common cold definition
Highly infectious viral URTI with prominent nasal sx
Clinical features common cold
Malaise and tiredness Sore, runny nose Sneezing Sore throat Slight fever if any Headache Hoarseness Cough
Watery nasal discharge becomes thick and purulent within ~24 hours and last for ~ one week
Secondary bacterial infection is uncommon
Common cold management
Rest Copious fluids Analgesics - paracetamol, aspirin (in adults) Steam inhalations Cough mixture for dry cough Gargle aspirin in water for sore throat Vit C (??)
Influenza definition
Relatively debilitating viral illness - not to be mistaken for common cold
Incubation period of 1-3 days
Features of Influenza
Incubation period 1-3 days
Illness commenses abruptly with headache, fever, shivering, generalized muscle aching
Clinical Criteria for Influenza
Fever >38 Dry cough Sore throat Coryza Weakness Myalgia Headache Rigors or chilla
*During influenza epidemic
Common complications from influenza
Secondary bacterial infection
Pneumonia due to staph aureas common
Depression
encephalolyelitis (rare)
Influenza management
Rest till fever subsides
paracetamol, aspirin
fluids - high fluid intake
Possible antiviral therapies as well, not usually needed
Prevention - influenza vaccine
Acute Bronchitis Definition
Acute inflammation of tracheobronchial tree
Usually follows URTI
Usually mild and self-limiting, can be serious in debilitated patients
Clinical features of acute bronchitis
Cough with sputum Wheeze, SOB Usually viral Can complicate chronic bronchitis - e.g. exacerbations of COPD Scattered wheeze on auscultation
Usually improves spontaneously in 4-8 days in healthy individuals
Acute Bronchitis treatment
Symptomatic
Inhaled bronchodilators for airflow limitation
Abx rarely needed in healthy individuals - only use if evidence of bacterial infection / worsening sputum production
Pneumonia definition
Inflammation of lung tissue
Usually presents as acute condition with cough, fever, purulent sputum, physical and cxr signs of consolidation
Typical Pneumonia presentation
Can be difficult to diagnose as patient may present with constitutional sx of headache, fever, malaise, but not prominent chest sx
Although more common in atypical pneumonia, it can occur in normal bacterial penumonia, especially lobar pneumonia
