Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Flashcards
Acute Bronchitis
Short term inflammation of the bronchi
Exacerbation of COPD
An event in the natural course of COPD characterised by a change in the patients baseline dyspnea. cough and/or sputum that is beyond normal day to day variations, is acute in onset and may warrant a change in regular medication
Pneumonia
Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection in which the air sacs fill with pus and may become solid
Empyema
The collection of pus in a cavity in the body
Lung Abscess
A type of liquefactive necrosis of the lung tissue and formation of cavities containing necrotic debris or fluid caused by microbial infection.
Bronchiectasis
Abnormal widening of the bronchi or their branches causing risk of infection
What do the scores of CURB65 mean?
- 0: low risk and could be treated in community
- 1-2: hospital treatment usually required
- 3-5: high risk of death and need for ITU
What is the treatment for a CURB score of 0-1?
Amoxycillin or clarithromycin/ doxycycline
What is the treatment for a CURB score of 2?
Amoxycillin and clarithromycin or levofloxacin
What is the treatment for a CURB score of 3-5?
Co-amoxiclav and clarithromycin or levofloxacin (if penicillin allergic)
What other treatment may be required for pneumonia?
- Oxygen
- IV fluids
- CPAP
- Intubation and ventilation
What complications may arise from pneumonia?
- Septicaemia
- Acute kidney injury
- Empyema
- Lung abscess
- Haemolytic anaemia (mycoplasma)
- ARDS
What is the differential diagnosis for pneumonia?
- Tuberculosis
- Lung cancer
- Pulmonary embolism
- Cardiac failure
- Pulmonary vasculitis (Wegner’s granulomatosis)
What are the symptoms of empyema?
- Chest pain is a prominent feature
- Absence of cough
- High swinging fever
What tests are used to investigate empyema?
- CT thorax
- Pleural ultrasound
- Plural aspiration (pH<7.2)