Respiratory Tract Conditions

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Respiratory Tract ConditionsRespiratory Tract Conditions

Chapter 22


LungsLungs

• Occupy majority of thoracic cavity

• Primary bronchial tubes

• Alveoli


Upper Respiratory Tract InfectionsUpper Respiratory Tract Infections

• Often caused by viruses

• No participation in physical activity

– Fever (≥100.5°F)

– Severe malaise

– Myalgias

– Weakness

– Shortness of breath

– Dehydrated


Common ColdCommon Cold

• Contagious – Person–person contact– Airborne droplets

• Key—prevention!!!!


Common Cold (cont.)Common Cold (cont.)• S&S (begin 1–2 days after exposure and last 1–2 weeks)

– Rhinorrhea– Sneezing– Nonproductive cough– Eye irritation– Malaise– Sore throat– Low-grade fever/chills

• Management– No cure—viral; OTCs can alleviate symptoms– Rest; fluids– Vitamin C; zinc gluconate


SinusitisSinusitis• Inflammation of the paranasal sinus

• Bacterial, viral, allergy, or environmental factors

• Often triggered by obstruction of passageway between the sinuses

• S&S

– Congestion

– Facial pain (behind cheeks and eyes, above teeth)

– Purulent discharge possible

– Coughing

– Swelling of eyes

– Fever and chills



Sinusitis (cont.)Sinusitis (cont.)

• Bacterial infection—drainage will be dark; other causes—clear

• Management

– Physician referral

– Control infection, reduce mucosal edema, and allow for nasal discharge


PharyngitisPharyngitis• Viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of the pharynx, leading to a

“sore throat”• S&S

– Throat—dark red– Tonsils swollen and red (possible pus present)– Swallowing—painful– Ear pain (due to swallowing)– Rhinorrhea– Lymphangitis– Headache– Cough – Low-grade fever


Pharyngitis (cont.)Pharyngitis (cont.)

• Management– Physician referral—must rule out “strep”; requires

antibiotic– Otherwise, treat symptoms—rest, fluids, warm saline

gargles, lozenges, and analgesics


LaryngitisLaryngitis• Tissues below level of epiglottis are swollen and inflamed • S&S

– Weak, hoarse, gravely voice – Sore throat– Fever– Cough (usually dry and nonproductive)– Difficulty swallowing

• Management– Self-limiting– Decrease talking! – Treat symptoms


TonsillitisTonsillitis• Lymph glands located at back of throat • Help protect the pharynx by filtering disease-producing

bacteria• S&S

– Inflamed and enlarged tonsils– Fever– Painful swallowing– Sore throat– Slight voice change

• Acute cases: treated with antibiotics• Chronic: surgical removal


Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis– Involves a specific period of symptoms in

successive years – Caused by airborne pollens or fungus spores

associated with that season • Perennial allergic rhinitis

– Occurs year-round if continually exposed to allergens


Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) (cont.)Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) (cont.)

• S&S– Postnasal drainage leads to chronic sore throat and

bronchial infection• Take a complete history • Management

– Limiting exposure to allergen– Suppressive medication to alleviate symptoms


BronchitisBronchitis

• Inflammation of mucosal lining of tracheobronchial tree• Acute

– Commonly seen in physically active individuals– Involves bronchial swelling, mucus secretion, and

increased resistance to expiration– S&S

• Coughing• Wheezing• Large amounts of purulent mucus


Bronchitis (cont.)Bronchitis (cont.)

• Chronic bronchitis – Can progress to serious illness– S&S

• Marked cyanosis• Edema• Large production of sputum• Abnormally high levels of CO2 and low levels of O2


Bronchitis (cont.)Bronchitis (cont.)

• Management– Viral—no specific therapy available – Bacterial—treated more effectively with macrolides – Chronic—medical supervision to control symptoms

and prevent systemic failure


Bronchial AsthmaBronchial Asthma

• Caused by: – Constriction of

smooth bronchial muscles

– Increased bronchial secretions

– Mucosal swelling• Leads to inadequate

airflow during respiration (especially expiration)


Bronchial Asthma (cont.)Bronchial Asthma (cont.)• S&S

– Wheezing– Rapid fatigue– Acute attack– Thick yellow/green sputum– Anxiety– Sweating– Rapid heart rate– Cyanosis, ↓ LOC in severe cases


Bronchial Asthma (cont.)Bronchial Asthma (cont.)

• Management– Seek medical help if no medications have been

prescribed– Administer prescribed medications


Exercise-Induced BronchospasmExercise-Induced Bronchospasm• Various factors can contribute to severity; ↑ risk with

allergies, sinus disease, hyperventilation• Key—amount of ventilation and temperature of inspired

air– ↑ ventilations in cold, dry, air → ↑ EIB risk – ↑ strenuous exercise → ↑ ventilations

• Use of peak flowmeter– Normal: up to a 10% ↓ in FEV1 after exercise – Mild EIB: ↓ 10%–20%– Moderate to severe EIB: ↓ 20%–40%– Severe EIB: >40%


Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (cont.)Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (cont.)

• S&S

– Chest pain and tightness

– Regular dry cough

– SOB after or during exercise

– Symptoms appear after 8–10 minutes of activity and may worsen after activity stops

– Refractory period


Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (cont.)Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (cont.)

• Management

– Prescribed medications

– Use of inhaler

– Proper warm-up and cool-down


InfluenzaInfluenza• Viral bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type A, B,

or C• Often epidemics—immunization available• S&S

– ↑ temperature– Chills– Malaise– Headache– General muscle aches– Hacking cough– Inflamed mucous membranes– Rapid onset within 24–48 hours of exposure


Influenza (cont.)Influenza (cont.)

• Management– Rest and fluids– Cough medications and analgesics for pain and fever– Referral—fever does not reduce within 24 hours or

fever >103°F


PneumoniaPneumonia• Inflammation and infection of lungs • Caused by bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas, and other

infectious agents • S&S (can vary with type of organism causing infection)

– Bacterial pneumonia • Often follows URI • Symptoms appear suddenly• Shaking, chills, a high fever, sweating• Chest pain (pleurisy)• Cough that produces thick, rust-colored, greenish or

yellow phlegm


Pneumonia (cont.)Pneumonia (cont.)

– Viral pneumonia• Starts with a dry (nonproductive) cough, headache,

fever, muscle, and fatigue • Progression—may become breathless and develop

cough that produces phlegm• Risk of developing a secondary bacterial pneumonia

as well• Management

– Bacterial pneumonia—antibiotics– Viral—rest and fluids; antibiotics are not effective

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Respiratory Tract Conditions