LRTI in Adults Flashcards
List the 5 different LRTI’s that can affect adults
- Acute bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Bronchectasis
- Lung abscess
- Empyema
Where is the lower respiratory tract?
The lower respiratory tract is anything below the vocal chords
What is acute bronchitis?
inflammation of bronchi
What are the 2 main symptoms of acute bonchitis?
cough and sputum
What is the usual causative agent of acute bronchitis/
Viruses
How should acute bronchitis be managed/
Supportively- fluids, paracetamol etc
How long should acute bronchitis last?
<3 weeks
List 5 features that can characterise a COPD exacerbation
- Change in colour of sputum
- Fevers
- Increased breathlessness
- Worsening wheeze
- Worsening Cough
Are infective exacerbations of COPD usually caused by bacterial or viral infections?
Viral
Name the 3 bacteria that are most commonly responsible for bacterial exacerbations of COPD
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
How are exacerbations of COPD treated?
- Steroids (to reduce inflammation)
- antibiotics (if appropriate)
- Nebulisers
What is the most common antibiotic given to treat COPD?
Amoxicillin
What is pneumonia?
an inflammation of the lung parenchyma
Name and describe the three different types of pneumonia
a) Bronchopneumonia (patchy infiltrate throughout the lungs)
b) Lobar Pneumonia (causes consolidation in an entire lobe)
c) Interstitial pneumonia (usually inflammatory rather than infective. Can be caused by viruses)
List the 9 pneumonia risk factors
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Extremes of age (Infants & Elderly)
- Preceding viral illness
- Pre-existing lung disease
- Chronic illness
- Immunocompromised
- Hospitalisation
- Intravenous drug abusers
What are the symptoms of pneumonia? (5)
- fever/rigors
- cough & sputum
- chest pain (pleuritic)
- Dyspnoea
- Haemoptysis
What are the clinical signs associated with pneumonia?
Tachypnoea Tachycardia Dull percussion Bronchial breathing Crepitations Increased vocal resonance
How would you investigate pneumonia in primary care?
often no investigations
CXR if the diagnosis is in doubt or if symptoms were persistent