Resp conditions Flashcards
What is acute bronchitis?
Infection of the bronchi
How is acute bronchitis different to pneumonia?
Infection is of the bronchi not the lung parenchyma
What symptoms will someone with acute bronchitis classically present with?
Cough that lasts <30 days
Cough may be productive (clear, white or discoloured sputum)
Cough worse at night and with exercise
Who cannot be diagnosed with acute bronchitis?
Those with an underlying respiratory condition eg asthmatics
Who is more likely to get acute bronchitis?
Smokers
Those who have been exposed to infectious agents
What is the first line investigation of acute bronchitis?
None, diagnosis is clinical
You might want to do a chest x ray to rule out pneumina
How is acute bronchitis managed?
Usually it doesn’t need to be treated and the cough will settle in 4 weeks
Anti pyretics eg paracetamol may be used
If there is a wheeze consider giving salbutamol
What are some complications of acute bronchitis?
Chronic cough
Pneumonia
What is asbestosis?
Diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lungs due to exposure to asbestos
What symptoms will someone with asbestosis classically present with?
Exertional dyspnoea that is progressively getting worse
Cough (non productive/dry)
Crackles on auscultation
Who is more likely to get abestosis?
Those with exposure
Smokers
How long after exposure to asbestos will someone with asbestosis present?
20 years after
What is the first line investigation for asbestosis? What will you see?
Chest x ray- if after 20 years of exposure, you may see evidence of fibrosis and pleural thickening
Pulmonary function tests- usually will show restrictive disease but may also show features of obstructive disease
How is asbestosis managed?
First line lifestyle advice of importance of not smoking
May benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation
May need oxygen therapy- if sats are under 89% on room air
Give abx if there is any evidence of infection
What advice is it really important to give patients with asbestosis and why?
Don’t smoke- smoking when you have asbestosis increases the risk of lung cancer greatly
What are some complications of asbestosis?
Lung cancer
Cor pulmonalae
How long after exposure will you see radiographical changes in someone with asbestosis?
20 years
What is an LRTI?
An infection of the respiratory tract below the larynx
Where must an infection be for it to be an LRTI?
Below the larynx
What symptoms will someone with an LRTI classically present with?
Dry cough
Headache
Stuffy or runny nose
Low fever