Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Laryngitis : symptoms, Diagnosis, management

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and may be classified as either non-allergic or allergic rhinitis.

Types:

Rhinitis may be an acute or chronic condition.

Etiology:

It occurs as a result of foreign bodies entering the nose structural deformities, neoplasm, and massed

Chronic use of decongestions, use of oral contraceptives, cocaine and anti hypertensive drugs.

Signs and symptoms:

1.     Nasal congestion

2.     Nasal discharges

3.     Nasal itchiness  and sneezing.

4.     Headache

Complete history and asking about possible exposure of to allergies in the home, environment on work place.

Management:

Medical Management:

Antihistamines, decongestants and topical corticosteroids.

Nursing Management:

1.     The patient is instructed to avoid allergies and irritants, such as dusts, firms, odors, powders, sprays and     tobacco soap.

2.     Saline nasal spray may be helpful in soothing mucous membranes, softening crusted secretions and removing irritants.

3.     The patient is instructed to use the technique for administration of medication, particularly nasal sprays or aerosols.

4.     The patient is instructed to blow the nose before applying any medication into the nasal cavity.

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is an acute bacterial infection of the throat

caused by group A, beta hemolytic streptococci.

Signs and symptoms:

1.     Abrupt onset of sore throat and fever.

2.     Throat pain aggravated by swallowing.

3.     Pharynx appears reddened with edema of uvula, tonsils enlarged and reddened. Pharynx and tonsils may be covered with extudate.

Swollen, palpable, and tender cervical lymph nodes.

Diagnosis:

1.     Blood investigation

2.     Throat culture

3.     Throat swab

Management:

1.    Penicillin orally for 10 days or Benzedrine penicillin G in a single intramuscular dose as prescribed.

2.    Erythromycin for patient who is allergic  to penicillin

Complication:

1.     Acute Rheumatic fever.

2.     Peritonsillsr abscess/ Cellulites.

3.     Acute glomerulonephritis

4.     Sinusitis, otitismedia

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx often occurs as a result of voice abuse, exposure to dust, chemicals, smoke and other pollutants, or as part of an upper respiratory tract infection.

Etiology:

It is common in winter as the onset of infection may be associated with exposure to sudden temperature changes, dietary deficiencies, malnutrition and lack of immunity.

Sign and symptoms:

Acute laryngitis: include hoarseness or complete loss of voice (Aphonia) and severe cough.

Chronic laryngitis: named by persistent hoarseness.

Management:

1.     Resting the voice, avoiding smoking.

2.     Resting in bed and inhaling cool steam or an aerosol.

3.     Restricting smoking.

Use of topical corticosteroids as prescribed.

Nursing management:

1.     Instruct the patient to rest voice and to maintain a well-humidified environment.

2.    Expectorants are  suggested along with  daily fluid intake.