Causes of Upper Respiratory Infections and Drug Therapy

please answer the following questions:

Describe causes of Upper respiratory infections and drug therapy
Discuss triggers of asthma and treatment options
Discuss corticosteroids
Describe chronic bronchitis and treatment options

Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.

Each question must be answered individually as in bullet points. Not in an essay format.
Example: Question 1, followed by the answer to question 1; Question 2, followed by the answer to question 2; and so forth.

1. Causes of Upper Respiratory Infections and Drug Therapy

Causes of Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs):

Viruses: The most common cause of URIs are viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza.
Bacteria: Though less common, bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes can also cause URIs.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants, irritants like smoke, and allergens can increase susceptibility to URIs.
Weakened Immune System: Conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system can predispose individuals to infections.
Close Contact: Being in close quarters with infected individuals, such as in schools or crowded places, facilitates the spread of pathogens.

Drug Therapy for URIs:

Antiviral Medications: For influenza, antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) may be prescribed.
Antibiotics: Prescribed only if a bacterial infection is confirmed. Common antibiotics include amoxicillin, azithromycin, or cephalexin.
Symptomatic Relief: Over-the-counter medications like decongestants (pseudoephedrine), antihistamines (loratadine), and antipyretics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) are used to alleviate symptoms.
Cough Suppressants and Expectorants: Medications such as dextromethorphan for cough suppression and guaifenesin to help clear mucus.
Hydration and Rest: Encouraging fluid intake and adequate rest to support the body’s immune response.

2. Triggers of Asthma and Treatment Options

Triggers of Asthma:

Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and cockroach waste.
Irritants: Tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and strong odors.
Respiratory Infections: Common colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Physical Activity: Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical exertion.
Weather Conditions: Cold air, changes in weather, and high humidity.
Emotional Stress: Anxiety and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Medications: Beta-blockers, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Treatment Options for Asthma:

Quick-Relief Medications: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol to quickly open airways during an asthma attack.
Long-Term Control Medications: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) such as fluticasone, long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol, and combination inhalers (ICS/LABA).
Leukotriene Modifiers: Medications like montelukast to reduce airway inflammation and constriction.
Mast Cell Stabilizers: Cromolyn sodium helps prevent airway inflammation.
Biologic Therapies: Omalizumab (Xolair) and other monoclonal antibodies for severe asthma that is not controlled by other medications.
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A procedure for severe asthma where heat is applied to the airways to reduce smooth muscle mass and decrease constriction.

3. Corticosteroids

Overview of Corticosteroids:

Definition: Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or synthesized for medical use. They mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Types: Glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone) and mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone).

Mechanism of Action:

Anti-inflammatory Effects: They inhibit multiple inflammatory cytokines and reduce the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Immunosuppressive Effects: They suppress the immune response by reducing the activity and volume of the immune system cells.
Metabolic Effects: Influence carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, and regulate blood glucose levels.

Clinical Uses:

Inflammatory Conditions: Used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Autoimmune Diseases: Manage conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis.
Allergic Reactions: Treat severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
Cancer Therapy: Part of treatment regimens for certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

Side Effects:

Short-Term Use: Increased blood sugar, weight gain, mood swings, and fluid retention.
Long-Term Use: Osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, muscle weakness, and increased risk of infections.

4. Chronic Bronchitis and Treatment Options

Description of Chronic Bronchitis:

Definition: Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchi, leading to increased mucus production and persistent cough.
Causes: Long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.

Symptoms:

Persistent Cough: Lasting for at least three months in two consecutive years.
Sputum Production: Excessive mucus production.
Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activity.
Wheezing and Chest Discomfort: Due to narrowed airways and mucus buildup.

Treatment Options:

Smoking Cessation: The most crucial step in managing chronic bronchitis.
Bronchodilators: Inhaled medications such as albuterol and ipratropium to open the airways.
Inhaled Corticosteroids: Medications like fluticasone to reduce airway inflammation.
Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors: Roflumilast to decrease lung inflammation.
Oxygen Therapy: For patients with severe chronic bronchitis to ensure adequate oxygen levels.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A program that includes exercise training, nutritional advice, and education to improve the quality of life.
Antibiotics: Prescribed during acute exacerbations if bacterial infections are suspected.

References

American Lung Association. (2023). Chronic bronchitis. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/chronic-bronchitis

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). Asthma. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Upper respiratory tract infection. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/uri.html