Upper Respiratory Infections
|
Infection |
Features |
|
Chronic tonsillitis |
.It is due to repeated attacks of acute tonsillitis. .It can lead to arthritis or nephritis. .It is treated like acute tonsillitis during an exacerbation, and
by tonsillectomy in the quiescent stage. |
|
Pharyngitis |
.The symptoms are as in acute tonsillitis. .The throat is congested, and covered by discharge, which may be
pus. .Cervical lymph nodes may be enlarged and tender. .The treatment is like that of tonsillitis. |
Acute
Laryngitis
Definition
It is a condition characterised by acute
inflammation of the larynx.
Aetiology
1.Measles.
2.Diphtheria.
3.Influenza.
4.Common cold.
5.Acute bronchitis.
Clinical
features
1.There is high fever.
2.The body and limbs ache.
3.The throat is sore. Dry cough develops.
4.There is dysphagia.
5.The voice becomes Hoarse in the
beginning. Then speaking is very difficult.
6.The throat and larynx are congested on
inspection due to laryngoscopy.
7.Features of aetiological condition are
present.
. Measles: Koplik spots.
. Diphtheria :White membrane.
Treatment
1.The patient is kept in a clean and airy
room without direct blast of breeze on him.
2.Complete be rest is given as long as the
patient has fever.
3.Plenty of warm liquids are given orally.
4.Steam inhalation or benzoin inhalation is
given.
5.He is asked not to speak because that
hurts.
6.The aetiological condition is treated
appropriately. viral laryngitis is self limiting and does not have any specific
treatment.
Chronic
Laryngitis
Definition
It
is a condition characterised by chronic inflammation of the larynx.
Aetiology
1.Prolonged overuse of
voice, e.g. singers, teachers.
2.Excessive smoking.
3.Tuberculosis of the larynx.
Clinical
features
1.Hoarseness of voice.
2.It gradually progresses to inability to
speak.
Investigations
1.Indirect laryngoscopy.
2.Investigations for suspected
tuberculosis: WBC count, ESR, Mantoux test, X-ray chest.
Treatment
1.Rest is given to speaking if excessive
speaking is the cause.
2.The cause is treated
appropriately, e.g. tuberculosis.
3.Smoking is stopped.
4.Sedative lozenges give temporary relief.
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