LRTI's

Question 1

what pathogens are responsible for a lung abscess?

Answer 1

staph. aureus
pseudomonas
anaerobes

Question 2

what pathogens are responsible for empyema?

Answer 2

staph aureus
streptococcus
anaerobes

Question 3

what are the causes of bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

idiopathic
immotile cilia syndrome
childhood infections i.e. measles
hypogammaglobulinaemia
allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillus

Question 4

what are the symptoms of a lung abscess?

Answer 4

lethargy
weight loss
high swinging fever

Question 5

what are the symptoms of empyema?

Answer 5

high swinging fever
pleuritic chest pain
no cough

Question 6

what are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?

Answer 6

productive cough
chronic sputum production
haemoptysis
dyspnoea
wheeze
flitting chest pain
tiredness

Question 7

what are the clinical signs of bronchiectasis?

Answer 7

finger clubbing

course inspiratory crepitations

Question 8

what are the investigations carried out for empyema?

Answer 8

CT thorax
pleural ultrasound
diagnosed by pleural ultrasound

Question 9

what investigations are carried out for bronchiectasis?

Answer 9

CT thorax
sputum culture
total IgE and aspergillus precipitants 
serum immunoglobulins 
CF genotyping

Question 10

what investigations are carried out for a lung abscess?

Answer 10

CXR
CT thorax
sputum culture

Question 11

what is the treatment for empyema?

Answer 11

IV antibiotics (6 weeks)
chest drain
intra-pleural t-Pa/DNase may be required
surgery for patients not improving

Question 12

what is the treatment for bronchiectasis?

Answer 12

antibiotics
chest physiotherapy
bronchodilators i.e. B2 agonist for symptomatic relief

Question 13

what is the treatment for a lung abscess?

Answer 13

prolonged antibiotics
drainage via bronchial tree
percutaneous drainage may be required