Breathlessness Flashcards
What is Bronchiectasis defined as?
A permanent dilatation of bronchi due to destruction of muscular components of the bronchial wall
What is the most common risk factor associated with Bronchiectasis? What are other risk factors?
Cystic fibrosis
Immunodeficiency, recurrent infections, A1AT, primary cilliary dyskinesia, IBD
What are the two most common symptoms in Bronchiectasis?
Cough (98% of patients)
Sputum (66% of patients)
On auscultation of lungs in a patient with Bronchiectasis, what may be heard?
- Crackles
- High pitched inspiratory wheeze
- Ronchi (low pitched rattling, sounds like snoring)
On CXR of a patient with Bronchiectasis, what may be found?
Characteristic volume loss, tram lines, tubular / ovoid opacities
What might be visualised on High Resolution CT in a patient with Bronchiectasis?
Dilatation of bronchi
What is the most common and second most common organism cultured from sputum of a patient with Bronchiectasis?
Haemophilus influenza (most common) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bronchiectasis commonly co-exists with which upper respiratory tract diseases?
Chronic rhinitis
Sinusitis
In patients with Type 1 Respiratory Failure, what is commonly seen with O2/CO2 levels?
Hypoxia, with Hypocapnia / Normocapnia
In patients with Type 2 Respiratory Failure, what is commonly seen with O2/CO2 levels?
Hypoxia, with Hypercapnia
Pregnancy is commonly associated with which? Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis?
Respiratory alkalosis
Pulmonary embolism is commonly associated with which? Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis?
Respiratory alkalosis
Anxiety / hyperventilation is commonly associated with which? Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis?
Respiratory alkalosis
COPD is commonly associated with which? Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis?
Respiratory acidosis
Benzodiazepine / opiate overdose is commonly associated with which? Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis?
Respiratory acidosis