Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Flashcards
What are the 3 divisions of lower respiratory tract infections?
Bronchitis
Lobar pneumonia
Bronchopneumonia
Define Bronchitis
Infection of the lower respiratory tract affecting mainly the large airways (bronchi)
Define Lobar pneumonia
Lower respiratory tract infection affecting alveoli or air sacs
Define Bronchopneumonia
Lower respiratory tract infection affecting bronchi and spreading to alveoli
Define pleural effusion
When the pleural space fills with serous fluid
What predisposing factors increase risk for lower respiratory tract infection?
lung damage (smoking) alcoholism other factors reducing natural defences
What bacteria causes pertussis? What is Pertussis?
Bordetella pertussis
Acute respiratory infection
Most common in young children, prior to being vaccinated
What is the catarrhal stage of pertussis?
2 weeks of non-specific cold symptoms and dry cough
What is the paroxysmal stage of pertussis?
Follows the catarrhal stage
Paroxysmal coughing - repeated violent exhalations followed by inspiratory whoop, culminating in vomiting
What precautions are required for an admitted patient with pertussis?
Droplet
How are close contacts to pertussis managed?
Given prophylactic antibiotics, regardless of immunization status
How is pneumonia typically diagnosed?
clinical signs/symptoms and confirmed by xray
What are the most common causes of the community-acquired pneumonia (5)?
strep pneumoniae (pneumococcus) haemophilus influenza (small gram-negative coccobacillus) Chlamydia pneumoniae Mycoplasma pneumoniae Legionella spp Staph aureus
Which 2 bacteria may colonize the upper respiratory tract that may cause difficulty interpreting sputum cultures?
strep pneumoniae
haemophilus influenza
If sputum cannot be obtained, what other fluids can be used for culture?
ETT aspirates
Bronchoscopy specimens
