Passmedicine Flashcards
What are the features of AECOPD?
Dyspnoea, wheeze, cough
If infective may have increase in sputum
If hypoxic may have acute confusion
What are the 3 most common bacterial causes for infective AECOPD?
H. influenzae (most common)
Strep pneumoniae
Moraxella catarrhalis
What is the most common viral cause for infective AECOPD?
Rhinovirus
How is AECOPD managed?
Increase freq. of bronchodilator use + consider giving via nebuliser
Prednisolone 30mg for 7-14 days
Amoxicillin/clarithromycin/doxycyline if sputum purulent/signs of pneumonia
What is psittacosis?
Infection caused by chlamydia psittaci
What things should make you suspect psittacosis?
Typical fever with history of bird contact
OR pneumonia + severe headache/organomegaly + failure to respond to penicillins
What kind of organism is Chlamydia psittaci?
Gram negative obligate intracellular bacterium
How is Chlamydia psittaci spread?
From birds/bird urine/faeces
What is the typical presentation of psittacosis?
Subacute onset of flu symptoms (fever, headache, myalgia) + respiratory symptoms (SoB, dry cough, chest pain)
What chest signs do you see in psittacosis?
Unilateral creps + vesicular breathing
Uncommonly may see pleural effusion
What abdomen signs might you rarely see in psittacosis?
Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
What will investigations reveal in psittacosis?
Raised inflammatory markers
Consolidation on CXR
How do you confirm the diagnosis of psittacosis?
Serology (atypical pneumonia screening)
What is the treatment of psittacosis?
1st line: tetracycline, e.g. doxycyline
2nd line: macrolide, e.g. erythromycin
What is sarcoidosis?
Multisystem disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by non-casating granulomas