Social worker

Infectious Respiratory Disorders

Infectious respiratory disorders can affect the upper or lower respiratory tract. Some of these disorders are relatively minor, while others are complex and require prompt identification and treatment. Infectious respiratory disorders can impact gas exchange and oxygenation and lead to acid-base imbalances.

Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can occur at any age. There are three different strains of influenza: A, B, and C. Each strain affects patients differently. The virus invades the respiratory tract causing inflammation of the epithelium lining. Seasonal influenza season ranges from October to May with the peak incidence in February. Patients often exhibit headache, muscle aches, fever, chills, fatigue, and weakness. Sore throat, cough, and nasal discharge can also be seen. Patients are contagious for 24 hours from the onset of symptoms and up to five days after. Preventative measures such as vaccination, hand washing, and respiratory etiquette are encouraged to decrease the incidence of the virus.

FLU

Signs and Symptoms

Risk Factors for Seasonal Influenza

· Age (very young and elderly)

· Chronic illness

· Pregnancy

· Immunocompromised

· Occupational hazards – caring for the very young or old

Pandemic Influenza

Pandemic infections are those that have the potential to spread globally. Pandemic influenza is predominantly seen in animals and birds. In 2009, the Swine flu, also known as H1N1 a highly contagious virus, mutated and became highly infectious in humans. As a result, a vaccine was created to combat the virus. Since this outbreak, the annual influenza vaccine contains the H1N1 antigen to protect humans. Patients suffering from pandemic infections exhibit cough, fever, and sore throat. These symptoms can progress to pneumonia. Preventative measures, including yearly influenza vaccination, can prevent pandemic issues.

Risk Factors for Pandemic Influenza

· Age (very young and elderly)

· Chronic illness

· Pregnancy

· Immunocompromised

· Occupational hazards – caring for the very young or old

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome is an example of a pandemic virus. MERS originated in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012. This virus comes from the coronavirus, which causes signs and symptoms of the common cold. MERS often results in a cough, shortness of breath, and fever and can lead to pneumonia. Patients may also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms with this virus.

Risk Factors for MERS

· Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease

· Very young and elderly

· Immunosuppressed

· Cancer

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an acute infection that results in an inflammatory process within the lungs. Inflammation occurs in the interstitial space of the alveoli and bronchioles. White blood cells migrate to the area of infection, causing a capillary leak, edema, and exudate. Pneumonia is one of the most serious respiratory infections. Bacterial pneumonia is divided into nosocomial and community-acquired. Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of organisms; these organisms invade the lungs and impair gas exchange.

Risk Factors for Pneumonia

· Older adults

· Chronic health problems

· Smoking

· No influenza vaccination

· No pneumococcal vaccination

· Altered level of consciousness

· Aspiration event

· Endotracheal tube

· Tracheostomy

· Nasogastric tube

· Poor nutritional status

· Immunosuppressed

· Mechanical ventilation

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is an acute or chronic infection caused by the organism mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease. Patients with active TB can transmit the disease by coughing, sneezing, or whistling. Droplets are spread into the air and have the potential to infect others.

Risk Factors for TB

· Contact with someone with TB

· Drug and alcohol abuse

· Immunosuppression

· Multiple sex partners

· Co-habiting in a shelter

· Homeless

Recent travel

Rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis, also known as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses, generally a result of an upper respiratory infection. This inflammation interferes with the ability of the sinuses to drain appropriately, resulting in infection.

Risk Factors for Rhinosinusitis

· Asthma

· Allergies

· Anatomical abnormalities

· Smoking

· Nasogastric tubes

· Viral upper respiratory infections

Cystic fibrosis

Peritonsillar Abscess

Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. The most common cause is beta-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria.

Risk Factor for Peritonsillar Abscess

· Frequent exposure to infections

Inhalation Anthrax

Inhalation anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bacillus anthracis. This organism can be found in soil when grass-eating animals feed in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. According to the CDC (2015), most inhalation anthrax only accounts for about 5% of anthrax cases. Inhalation anthrax is fatal if left untreated.

Risk Factors for Inhalation Anthrax

· Occupational exposure

· Drug use

Pertussis

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. Bordetella pertussis is spread by respiratory droplets by coughing and sneezing. Pertussis occurs in three phases: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent. During the catarrhal phase, which lasts for one to two weeks, the patient appears to have a common cold. The nose and airways become filled with mucus. During the paroxysmal phase, the patient experiences severe coughing episodes that may result in vomiting. During the convalescent phase, the patient is recovering; this stage can last several months.

Risk Factors for Pertussis

· Lack of immunization

Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii. The incubation period is one to four weeks. Inhaled spores stimulate an inflammatory process in the lungs resulting in an infection. These spores are present in the soil and, when disturbed, are released into the air.

Risk Factors for Coccidioidomycosis

· Agricultural workers

Reference

Center for Disease and Control (CDC). (2015). Anthrax prevention. Accessed June 2019 via the Web at: http://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/medical-care/prevention.html