Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Flashcards
what are the symptoms of Pneumonia
malaise fever chest pain cough purulent sputum dyspnoea
what does purulent sputum mean
contains pus, composed of white blood cells, cellular debris, dead tissue, serous fluid and viscous liquid (mucus). Mostly, it is yellow in color, as well as green.
when a patient produces rusty coloured sputum what could this indcate
pneumonia caused by streptococcus pneumonia
what are the clinical signs of pneumonia
pyrexia tachpnoea central cyanosis dull percussion of affected lobe bronchial breath sounds
what investigation could you do if you suspect a patient has pneumonia
serum biochemistry blood count CXR throat swab urinary legionella Ag sputum microscopy and culture
what can you use to score the severity of pneumonia
the “CURB 65”
what does CURB 65 stand for
confusion
blood urea>7
respiratory rate>30
diastolic pressure65
if a patient scores a CURB of 0-1 what antibiotics should they be treated with
Amoxycillin or clarithromycin/ doxycycline
if a patient scores a CURB of 2 what antibiotics should they be treated with
Amoxycillin AND clarithromycin or levofloxacin
if a patient scores a CURB of 3-5 how should they be treated
Co-amoxiclav and clarithromycin or levofloxacin (if allergic to penicillin)
apart from antibiotics what other treatment can you give for pneumonia
oxygen
IV fluids
CPAP
intubation and ventilation
what does CPAP stand for
continuous positive airflow pressure
what are some common causes for Bronchiectasis
immotile cilia syndrome
cystic fibrosis
childhood infection-measels
what is hypogammaglobulinaemia
Hypogammaglobulinemia is an immune disorder characterized by a reduction in all types of gamma globulins, including antibodies that help fight infection.
what are the symptoms of Bronchiectasis
chronic cough
daily sputum-copious
sometimes - wheeze, dyspnoea, tiredness, flitting chest pains, haemoptysis
what are clinical signs that you may notice with bronchiectasis
finger clubbing
course inspiratory crepitations
what does crepitations mean
a crackling or rattling sound.
what are the common microorganisms that cause lower respiratory tract infections (4)
strep pneumonia
H. influenza
Moxraxella catarrhalis
staph aureus
what are the atypical microorganisms that cause LRTI
mycoplasma
chlamydia
coxiella
legionella
what are the complications of Pneumonia
septicaemia acute kidney failure Empyema Lung Abscess Haemolytic anaemia tp
What is Empyema
the collection of pus in a cavity in the body, especially in the pleural cavity.
what is Haemolytic anaemia
Hemolytic anemia or haemolytic anemia is a form of anemia due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells
what are precipitins
A precipitin is an antibody which can precipitate out of a solution upon antigen binding.
what is acute bronchitis
short time inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs
