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MODULE 3 | RESPIRATORY DISORDERS Rhinosinusitis RHINITIS →A group of disorders characterized by inflammation & irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose. RHINOSINUSITIS →Formerly known as sinusitis →Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses & nasal cavity. Rhinosinusitis CLASSIFICATION Acute less the 4 weeks Sub-Acute 4 - 12 weeks Chronic more than 12 weeks CAUSES : Bacterial & Viral Infection S/SX 1 Purulent nasal discharge 2 Fever 3 Headache MANAGEMENT 1 Antibiotics- 5 - 7 days 2 Nasal saline lavage & decongestants 3 Intranasal corticosteroids NC 1 Humidification of air 2 Warm compress to relive pressure 3 Avoid swimming, diving, or air travel 4 Stop smoking Tonsilitis →Is an infection (usually viral) of the tonsils. →It is believed the tonsils help prevent bacteria and other pathogens from entering the body – therefore removal may increase the number of illnesses later in life. →If a child has many infections, the tonsils are surgically removed. CAUSES →Bacterial pathogens ( GABHS ) S/SX 1 Sore throat 2 Fever 3 Snoring 4 Difficulty of swallowing MANAGEMENT ✓ Antibiotics ✓ Tonsillectomy NC 1 Increase fluid intake 2 Analgesics 3 Saltwater gargle 4 Rest Pharyngitis
MODULE 3 | RESPIRATORY DISORDERS Pharyngitis ACUTE →Is a sudden painful inflammation of the pharynx, the back portion of the throat that includes the posterior third of the tongue, soft palate & tonsils. CHRONIC →Persistent inflammation of the pharynx. →Common in adults who work in dusty surroundings, use their voice in excess, suffer from chronic cough, or habitual use of alcohol or tobacco. TYPES Hypertrophic General thickening or congestion of the pharyngeal mucous membrane Atrophic Late stage of the 1st type; thin, whitish, glistening & at times wrinkled Chronic Numerous swollen lymph follicles on the pharyngeal wall CAUSES ✓ Viral Infection ✓ Bacterial Infection- GABHS
S/SX
1 Fiery red pharyngeal membrane & tonsils 2 Presence of white-purple exudate 3 Enlarged tender cervical lymph nodes 4 Fever - 38.3 degreeoC 5 Malaise 6 Sore throat 7 Petechiae at the roof of the mouth 8 Bad breath Laryngitis →Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (vocal cords) CAUSES ✓ Voice abuse ✓ Exposure to dust, chemicals, smoke & other pollutants ✓ URI S/SX 1 Hoarseness of voice 2 Aphonia (loss of voice) 3 Severe cough NC ✓ Resting the voice ✓ Avoid irritants. ✓ Inhaling a steam or aerosol ✓ Maintain a well humidified environment. ✓ Increase oral fluid intake (2-3L).
MODULE 3 | RESPIRATORY DISORDERS Pleurisy PLEURA → Is a sac surrounding the lungs. →It consists of two layers, one covering the lung ( visceral ), while the other covers the inside of the chest wall or rib cage ( parietal ). →Between the two layers is a space in which a small amount of fluid circulates to lubricate the two surfaces as they slide over one another during breathing. PLEURISY ✓ Refers to the inflammation (irritation, swelling, stickiness) of the pleura. ✓ Pleurisy is not a disease, but a symptom of another condition (e.g., virus or bacterial infection). SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT SYMPTOMS →Sharp, stabbing pain in chest – usually localized in one area. TREATMENT →Treat the cause – ie virus or bacteria causing the pleurisy. Emphysema →A chronic respiratory disorder. →The alveolar walls break down & lose their elasticity. →Surface area is greatly reduced – breathing is difficult. CAUSE : usually from many years of smoking. Effects are permanent and incurable. TREATMENTS Low-flow oxygen tank ▪ Delivers a higher oxygen concentration. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVR) ▪ Removal of damaged tissue to let healthy tissue work more efficiently. Cystic fibrosis →Genetic condition →An abnormal gene causes the cells lining the alveoli to secrete a thick, sticky mucus. →Mucus attracts bacteria and numerous infections result. TREATMENTS →There is no cure – life expectancy is usually low – early 30s. →Medicines are used to thin the mucus →Antibiotics are given for infections.
MODULE 3 | RESPIRATORY DISORDERS → New treatments include gene therapy. →An inhaler is used to spray healthy versions of the abnormal gene – the healthy genes can then make proper mucus. Asthma →Is a chronic respiratory disorder. →Bronchi and bronchioles are affected – bronchiole muscles tighten, mucus is produced – breathing is difficult. CAUSES ▪ Generally, it is thought that asthma is somewhat inherited. ▪ TRIGGERS – include pollen, dust, smoke, pets, exercise. SYMPTOMS 1 Chest tightness 2 Wheezing 3 Night-time cough 4 Restricted breathing TREATMENTS IMMEDIATE ✓ Bronchodilators – give immediate relief to tightened bronchioles. ✓ Inhalers can be metered - ie medicine is forced out by a chemical propellant. ✓ powdered - no propellant
LONG-TERM
✓ Some patients use a corticosteroid treatment to control spasms in the bronchioles (eg – QVAR inhaler) ✓ Patients with severe asthma may even take stronger medications such as Prednisone.
