Pneumonia Flashcards
What is pneumonia?
An infection of the lung tissue that causes inflammation
What is the presentation of pneumonia?
Cough
High fever
Tachypnoea
Tachycardia
Lethargy
Increased work of breathing
What are the signs of pneumonia?
Tachypnoea
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Hypoxia
What are the chest signs of pneumonia on examination?
Focal coarse crackles
Bronchial breath sounds
Dullness to percussion
What are bronchial breath sounds?
Harsh breath sounds equally loud on inspiration and expiration
What is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in children?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
What are the bacterial causes of pneumonia?
Group A strep
Group B strep
Staphylococcus aureus
Haemophilus influenza
Mycoplasma pnuemoniae
What is the most common viral cause of pneumonia?
Respiratory syncitial virus
What are the other viral causes of pneumonia?
Influenza virus
Parainfluenza virus
What is the investigation of choice for pneumonia?
Chest X-ray
What other investigations can be helpful in diagnosing pneumonia?
Sputum culture
Viral PCR
Blood cultures
Capillary blood gas
What is the first line treatment for bacterial pneumonia?
Amoxicillin
What is the first line treatment for bacterial pneumonia in patients with a penicillin allergy?
Macrolides - erythromycin, clarithromycin
What is the add on therapy to amoxicillin for bacterial pneumonia?
Macrolides - erythromycin, clarithromycin
