Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

This is a self-limiting disease caused by viruses and allergies. If it is viral, it is a highly infectious condition comprising mild systemic upset and prominent nasal symptoms

Clinical Features Symptoms

• Running nose/nasal congestion
• Cough
• Irritation of the throat
• Fever
• Sneezing

Complications

• Lower respiratory tract infection (see 6.1.2)
• Bronchitis and pneumonia

Treatment

• Analgesics: 
  Aspirin, 600mg 3 - 4 times daily or paracetamol, 500mg - 1g orally 3 - 4 times daily in adults, children; paracetamol, 10 - 20mg/kg 3 times daily
• Nasal decongestants
• Cough mixtures may offer symptomatic relief
• Take plenty of fluids

Note:

1. Aspirin is not recommended for children under 16 years.
2. Antibiotics are not indicated

Supportive

• Advise patient to take plenty of fluids

This is an inflammation of the larynx, trachea and bronchus following an acute viral respiratory infection.

Clinical features

Symptoms

• Pain in the larynx
• Hoarseness of voice
• Irritating persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever

Signs

• Stridor
• Persistent or recurrent laryngitis

TreatmentAnalgesics in early stages

• Paracetamol, 500mg – 1g orally 3 – 4 times daily in adults, 10 – 20mg/kg
  orally 3 – 4 times daily in children

Supportive

• Give more fluids and humidification

The condition is caused by a viral infection or inhaled foreign body. The main symptom is stridor.
When it is caused by viral infection the condition is called Croup. Croup is fairly common and is frightening to parents. Usually, admission is advisable. If the infection has caused epiglottitis, the obstruction may be so severe as to necessitate tracheal incubation and antibiotics may be required

Treatment

• Chloramphenicol 50 - 100mg/kg intravenously in 4 divided doses daily for 5 days
• Humidified oxygen (30 - 40% concentration)
• Dexamethasone 0.3mg/kg intramuscularly stat, Repeat after 6 hours.
• Naso-tracheal intubation or tracheostomy if an obstruction is severe