Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Illness in Children and Adults

[See pharyngitis algorithm box #15]

[See rhinitis algorithm box #30]

[See sinusitis algorithm box #44]

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Source: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI). Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illness in children and adults. Bloomington (MN): Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI); 2008 Jan. 71 p. Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Illness in Children and Adults Patient reports some combination of symptoms: *Sore throat. *Rhinorrhea. *Cough. *Fever. *Laryngitis. *Headache. A A = Annotation See immediately. A Does patient have emergent symptoms? A Are comorbid conditions present? A Schedule visit or consult with provider for need to be seen Symptoms of pharyngitis: *Sudden onset of sore throat. *Exudative tonsilitis. *Tender anterior cervical adenopathy. *History of fever. *Headache. *Abdominal pain. *No rhinorrhea, cough, hoarseness. See pharyngitis algorithm box #15 Are symptoms suggestive of pharyngitis? A Symptoms of rhinitis: *Pruritis of the eyes, nose, palate, ears. *Watery rhinorrhea. *Sneezing. *Seasonal changes. *Family history of allergies. *Sensitivity to specific allergens, especially dust, animal dander, pollen and mold. *Atopy. *Nasal congestion. *Postnasal drip. See rhinitis algorithm box #30 Are symptoms suggestive of rhinitis? A See sinusitis algorithm box #44 Are symptoms suggestive of sinusitis? A Symptoms of sinusitis: Upper respiratory symptoms present greater than 7 days. Two or more of the following factors present at a point of greater than 7 days after onset: *Cough. *Documented past history of sinusitis. *Ear pressure/fullness. *Facial pain, particularly if aggravated by postural changes or by valsalva maneuver. *Fatigue. *Fever. *Hyposmia/anosmia. *Known anatomical nasal blockage. *Nasal congestion. *Nasal drainage. *Poor response to decongestive. *Postnasal drip. *Tenderness over sinus area. *Tooth pain. *Patient education. *Home care call-back instructions. A Are symptoms suggestive of VURI? A Evaluation by provider All copyrights are reserved by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, Inc.