Bronchitis & Pneumonia Flashcards
How long must a cough be present to classify it as acute bronchitis?
Cough > 5 days (typically 1-3 weeks)
How long must a cough be present to classify it as chronic bronchitis?
At least 3 months of the year in 2 consecutive years
What is the most common cause of acute bronchitis?
Viruses
What is the only bacterial cause of acute bronchitis that should be treated with antibiotics?
Bordetella pertussis
Patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Bronchospasm
- Rhonchi (clears with coughing)
- NEGATIVE for crackles (rales) and signs of consolidation
What is the likely diagnosis?
Acute bronchitis
When would you consider a chest x-ray in a patient who presents with acute bronchitis-like symptoms?
To rule out pneumonia if cough lasts > 3 weeks
OR
Patient has one or more of the following:
- Fever (>100.4 F)
- Tachypnea (>24 breaths/min)
- Tachycardia (>100 beats/min)
- Evidence of consolidation on chest exam (crackles, egophany, fremitus)
What is the treatment for acute bronchitis?
- Reassurance
- Hydration & rest
- Symptomatic relief
- Smoking cessation
Should antibiotics be prescribed for acute bronchitis?
NO! Pertussis is the only indication for antibiotics in the treatment of acute bronchitis
What are the three phases of Pertussis?
Phase 1: Catarrhal
- URI symptoms for 1-2 weeks
Phase 2: Paroxysmal
- Persistent paroxysmal cough and inspiratory whooping for 2-6 weeks
Phase 3: Convalescent
- Cough gradually resolves over weeks to months
What is the gold standard for Pertussis diagnosis and when is the most optimal time to obtain it?
Bacterial culture from nasopharyngeal secretions
Optimal time to obtain is at cough onset and up to 2 weeks.
When is the most optimal time to obtain serology testing for Pertussis?
2-8 weeks from cough onset (later phases)
If Pertussis is suspected, but you are awaiting diagnostic studies, what should you do?
Treat empirically with antibiotics as antibiotics decreases transmission (has little effect on symptoms resolution)
What is the recommended treatment for Pertussis in adults?
Macrolides
- Azithromycin (most common)
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
Alternative: Bactrim
What is the recommended treatment for Pertussis in pediatric patients?
Inpatient vs. Outpatient - Most of those < 6 months need admission - Isolation Symptom control Antibiotics (Macrolides)
How can you prevent Pertussis?
- Vaccination (Tdap - booster recommended as adolescent)
- Antibiotic prophylaxis (close contact exposure)
What are typical symptoms associated with Pertussis?
- Prolonged progressive cough
- Coughing fits followed by classic whooping sound
What populations that are at high-risk of having influenza progress to pneumonia?
- Children < 2 y/o
- Adults 65 years or older
- Underlying chronic disease
- Immunosuppressed
- Pregnant
- Morbidly obese
- Residents of nursing homes/chronic care facilities
What is the common clinical presentation of a patient with influenza?
Abrupt onset of:
- Fever
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Malaise