HTHSCI 2HH3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Filter Paper, Optochin, Sensitivity And Specificity

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HTHSCI 2HH3
• Professor: Kirsten Culver

Document Summary

Upper respiratory system: consists of nose, pharynx and structures associated w them, is a significant portal of entry for pathogens. Lower respiratory system: consists of larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes & alveoli. Resp system infections are the most common type of infection in humans. Sputum: matter that is coughed up from the resp tract, such as mucus or phlegm, mixed with saliva and then expectorated from the mouth. May contain pus, blood, fibrin, bacterial products, or other foreign matter. Rust coloured sputum is indicative of blood and pus coughed up from the lungs. Dullness to percussion is the result of pus built up in the lung, typically lung should be filled up with air and sound resonant. Key symptoms: fever, accumulation of pus-filled mucus in the lungs, productive and painful coughing spasms. Each of these symptoms are consistent with pneumonia, however a chest x ray must be performed to confirm diagnosis.