Lower Respiratory tract infection Flashcards
What are factors that predispose someone to LRTIs?
- loss/suppression of cough reflex/swallow
- ciliary defects
- mucus disorders
- pulmonary oedema
- immunodeficiency
- macrophage function inhibition
What is acute bronchitis?
inflammation and oedema of trachea and bronchi
How does acute bronchitis present?
cough (typically dry), dyspnoea and tachypnoea
What are the usual cause of acute bronchitis?
viruses (rhinovirus, coranovirus, adenovirus, influenza)
How would you treat acute bronchitis?
-supportive treatment for healthy patients
-severe disease may require oxygen therapy
(-antibiotics in bacterial infection)
Define chronic bronchitis
cough productive of sputum on most days during at least 3 months of 2 successive years
What mediated the inflammation and oedema in chronic bronchitis?
exogenous irritants
What is bronchiolitis?
inflammation and oedema of bronchioles
How does bronchiolitis present?
acute onset wheeze, cough, nasal discharge, respiratory distress
What is the most common cause of bronchiolitis?
RSV
Which age group is most at risk of bronchiolitis?
infants (2-10 months)
What tests would you require to diagnose bronchiolitis?
chest x-ray and full blood count and microbiological diagnosis
How would you treat bronchiolitis?
-supportive: oxygen, feeding assistance
What is pneumonia?
infection affecting the most distal airway and alveoli (with formation of inflammatory exudate)
What are the characteristics of bronchopneumonia?
patchy distribution centred on inflamed bronchioles and bronchi then subsequent spread to alveoli