Upper Respiratory Disorders Lecture Notes

Key Topics Discussed

• Acute laryngitis
• Pharyngitis
• Sleep apnea risk factors
• Sinusitis
• Chronic rhinitis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Epistaxis
• Post-tonsillectomy care
• Laryngectomy positioning
• Viral vs. bacterial infections

Acute Laryngitis

• Discharge Instruction: Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Smoking causes irritation and vasoconstriction.
• Common Myths:
  • Whispering is harmful: Whispering strains vocal cords more than normal talking.
  • Humidified air is beneficial: It helps soothe irritation unlike dry air.

Pharyngitis

• Priority Nursing Intervention: Assess airway and respiratory status.
  • Important to ensure there's no obstruction.
• Classic Symptoms
  • Fever > 100.4°F
  • Cervical lymph node enlargement
  • Tonsillar or pharyngeal exudate
  • Absence of cough

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

• High risk patient: Older, male, obese (e.g., 65-year-old male with hypertension and obesity).

Sinusitis

• Medication for Severe Nasal Congestion: Decongestant is appropriate.
• Symptoms Indicative of Sinusitis:
  • Facial pain due to fluid accumulation and infection.
  • Purulent nasal drainage and fever.

Chronic Rhinitis

• Educate to Avoid:
  • Dust, allergens, perfumes, strong odors, pet dander.
  • Not a concern: Hot and spicy foods, NSAIDs, dairy, unless otherwise indicated.

Allergic Rhinitis

• Incorrect Practice: Using nasal decongestants daily can lead to rebound congestion.
• First Line Treatment: Corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Epistaxis (Nosebleed)

• Appropriate Action: Pinch nostrils together for 10-15 minutes, lean forward.
  • Avoid warm compresses and instructing the patient to blow the nose.

Post-Tonsillectomy Care

• Monitoring: Watch for frequent swallowing indicating potential bleeding.
• Cold Drinks: Provide ice pops (clear, non-red) to promote vasoconstriction.
  • Avoid milk-containing products like ice cream due to increased mucus.

Laryngectomy Positioning

• False Practice: Placing the patient in a supine position.
• Correct Position: Semi-Fowler’s to facilitate drainage and prevent aspiration.

Viral vs. Bacterial Infections

• Antibiotics: Not recommended for viral infections (only for bacterial).

Allergic Rhinitis Triggers

• Common Allergens to Avoid:
  • House dust, dust mites, pet allergens, mold spores, pollen, smoke.

This summary provides a concise review of the important points from the lecture about upper respiratory disorders, including key interventions and preventive measures for each condition discussed.