Upper respiratory tract infection

In ENT, everyone can hear you scream.

Definition

The upper respiratory tract is a common place for infections, and a big cause of GP consultations. Whilst there are lots of names such as laryngitis and sore throat, clinically they tend to be treated pretty similarly; hence the lumping together as upper respiratory tract infections.

Epidemiology

Really common - most people get one a year. More common in small children. As a GP you will see at least one of these in an average clinic, so it will be in the exam!

Pathophysiology

The majority are viral, and thus are basically not treated. Commonly adenovirus and rhinovirus, although there are loads.

Risk Factors

• Being a child.

That's about it

Clinical Features

• The key one is a sore throat.
• Fever for several days.
• Big ole lymph nodes.
• Purulent tonsils (got pus on the tonsils)
• Sometimes ear ache, which points to them having otitis media