Chapter 13, Problem 1LO

Summary Introduction

To explain: Common upper respiratory tract infections.

Concept introduction: The pulmonary system is the biological system that consists of specific organs and structures used for gaseous exchange in animals. The processes of the pulmonary system includes the transport of air in or out of the cell, the transport of air spaces in the lungs and the blood stream, and the transport of the blood into and away from the capillary beds of the lungs to the body organs and tissues.

Explanation of Solution

The structure of the pulmonary system includes two different tracts, namely the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract includes the pharynx, larynx, and trachea. The infections in the upper respiratory tract are as follows:

• Infectious rhinitis (Common cold)
• Sinusitis
• Laryngotracheobronchitis
• Epiglottitis
• Influenza
• Scarlet fever

Infectious rhinitis is the common cold. This infection occurs due to the viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. The common causative agents for the common cold are the rhinovirus, corona virus, para-influenza virus, or adenovirus.

Sinusitis is the bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract. This infection is the secondary infection to a cold or allergy. The main causative organisms for sinusitis include streptococci, pneumococci, or Haemophilus influenza.

Laryngotracheobronchitis is the viral infection that occurs in the upper respiratory tract of children. In adults, it leads to laryngitis, bronchitis, or tracheitis. The common infectious agents for laryngotracheobronchitis are parainfluenza virus and the adeno virus.

Epiglottitis is an acute bacterial infection. The main causative bacterium is Haemophilus influenza type B.

Influenza is a viral infection that occurs in both respiratory tracts. The causative viruses for influenza are influenza virus type A, influenza virus type B, and influenza virus type C.

Scarlet fever is strawberry tongue with prominent papillae. It is occurs in the upper respiratory tract due to the Streptococcus pyogenes, which is a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.