Pneumonia Flashcards
what is pneumonia
acute infection causing inflammation of alveolar air sacs
what are the common pathogens causing pneumonia
strep. pneumonia
H. Influenzae
staph aureus
what types of atypical pathogens cause pneumonia
legionella
mycoplasma
coxiella burnetti
what are the main symptoms of pneumonia
fever malaise anorexia breathlessness confusion cough preceding URTI
what are the signs of pneumonia on examination
lower lobe crackles on auscultation
hypotension
cyanosis
what are the main investigations required for pneumonia
CXR looking for consolidation
FBC, U&Es, CRP
sputum culture
CURB65
Is CURB65 an effective test for all types of pneumonia
no, only community acquired
what does CURB65 stand for
Confusion (new onset) Urea concentration >7 Resp rate >30/min Blood pressure <90/60 Over 65
a CURB65 score of __ requires hospitalisation
2 or above
what are some of the complications of pneumonia
pleural effusion, empyema, respiratory failure and death
what is aspiration pneumonia
inhalation of gastric contents eg food stuffs or gastric acid causing infection
what is the treatment for mild and severe CAP
mild - oral amoxicillin for 10 days or doxycycline if allergic
severe - IV co-amoxiclav + clarithromycin for 10 days (levofloxacin if allergic)
what is the treatment for mild and severe HAP
mild - amoxicillin + metronidazole 7 days
severe - amoxicillin + metronidazole + gentamycin 7-10 days
pathogens from aspiration pneumonia require ___ antibiotics
anaerobic
for treating HAP, is gram negative antibiotic cove required?
yes
