Respiratory Flashcards
ASTHMA
What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
- Airway narrowing + obstruction due to bronchial muscle contraction as well as inflammation caused by mast cell degranulation + increased mucus production
ASTHMA
What are the three main characteristics of asthma?
- Airflow limitation (reversible)
- Airway hyperresponsiveness to various stimuli
- Bronchial inflammation
ASTHMA
What three histopathological changes are seen in asthma?
- Basement membrane thickening
- Epithelium metaplasia (increased goblet cells)
- Increase in inflammatory gene expression on many cell types
ASTHMA
What 2 broad aetiological categories can asthma be split into?
- Allergic (extrinsic, eosinophilic) = T1 IgE mast cell mediated hypersensitivity reaction caused by allergens, atopy (eczema, hayfever)
- Non-allergic (intrinsic, non-eosinophilic) = idiopathic but triggers
ASTHMA
What are some triggers and risk factors for asthma?
- Smoking, allergens, exercise, damp, NSAIDs, B-blockers
- LBW, child exposure to smoke, PMH/FHx atopy, air pollution
ASTHMA
What is the clinical presentation of asthma?
- Episodic Sx with diurnal variability (worse night/early morning)
- Dry cough with wheeze, dyspnoea + chest tightness
- Widespread polyphonic wheeze on auscultation
ASTHMA
What first-line lung function tests can be used to help diagnose asthma?
- Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
- Spirometry
(- Peak expiratory flow rate variability)
ASTHMA
What results show inflamed airways for FeNO testing?
- > 40ppb adults
- >35ppb paeds
ASTHMA
What would spirometry show in asthma?
- Obstructive pattern = FEV1 <80%, FEV1/FVC <0.7
- Beta-2-agonist reversibility with FEV1 ≥12% improvement
ASTHMA
What would PEFR show in asthma?
- Diurnal variation >20% on ≥3d/w
ASTHMA
What other investigations may you consider in asthma?
- Skin prick tests for atopy
- Serial PEFR at work/away if occupational (usually due to isocyanates = paints + flour)
- CXR = ?hyperinflation
ASTHMA
What lifestyle advice would you give to someone with asthma?
- Correct inhaler technique
- Avoid triggers + smoking
- Monitor peak flow
- Yearly flu jab + asthma r/v
- Asthma self-management programme
ASTHMA
What are the 5 main drugs used in the treatment of asthma?
- Short-acting beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonists (SABA, salbutamol)
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS, beclometasone, bumetanide)
- Long-acting beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonists (LABA, salmeterol)
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA, montelukast)
- Theophylline
ASTHMA
What is the mechanism of action of…
i) SABA/LABA?
ii) ICS?
iii) LTRA?
iv) theophylline?
i) Adrenaline acts on airway smooth muscle to dilate bronchioles (short/long acting)
ii) Reduced inflammation + reactivity of airways
iii) Blocks leukotrienes which are produced by immune system + cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction + mucous secretion
iv) Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and reduces inflammation
ASTHMA
What is an important drug safety aspect of theophylline?
- Narrow therapeutic window + toxic in excess so monitor plasma theophylline levels 5d after starting and 3d after dose changes
ASTHMA
Adult and 5–16y/o asthma management: what are the first 4 steps?
- Step 1 = SABA (if newly-diagnosed but Sx ≥3/w or night-waking STEP 2)
- Step 2 = add low-dose ICS
- Step 3 = add LTRA
- Step 4 = add LABA (continue LTRA depending on patient’s response)
ASTHMA
Adult and 5–16y/o asthma management: what are steps 5–7?
- Step 5 = SABA ± LTRA plus switch ICS + LABA for low-dose ICS MART (Fostair = beclo/form, Symbicort = buden/form)
- Step 5 = SABA ± LTRA plus medium-dose ICS MART (or fixed dose moderate-dose ICS + separate LABA)
- Step 7 = SABA ±LTRA plus high-dose ICS (if not on MART), trial PO theophylline, specialist input
ASTHMA
Paediatric <5y/o management: what are steps 1 and 2?
- Step 1 = SABA
- Step 2 = add 8w trial of moderate-dose inhaled ICS
ASTHMA
After the 8w trial how would you manage their response?
- No response = stop + consider alternative Dx
- Sx resolved but reoccurred <4w = restart ICS at low-dose
- Sx resolved but reoccurred >4w = repeat 8w trial
ASTHMA
Paediatric <5y/o management: what are steps 3 and 4?
- Step 3 = SABA + low-dose ICS plus LTRA
- Step 4 = stop LTRA and refer to paeds asthma specialist
ASTHMA
How does an acute asthma attack present?
- Worsening dyspnoea, wheeze + cough not responding to SABA
- Use of accessory muscles
ASTHMA
What constitutes a moderate asthma exacerbation?
- PEFR 50–75% predicted
- RR <25/min
- HR <110bpm
- Speech normal
ASTHMA
What constitutes a severe asthma exacerbation?
- PEFR 33–50% predicted
- RR ≥25/min (>30 if >5y/o, >40 if <5y/o)
- HR ≥110 (>125 if >5y/o, >140 if <5y/o)
- Unable to complete full sentences
ASTHMA
What constitutes a life-threatening asthma exacerbation?
- PEFR <33% predicted
- SpO2 <92%
- Silent chest (airways tight so no air entry) + cyanosis
- HD unstable
- Exhaustion/altered GCS
- ABG = normal CO2
ASTHMA
What investigations would you do in an acute asthma exacerbation?
- Bloods = FBC, U&E, CRP
- ABG if SpO2 <92%
- CXR to exclude differentials
ASTHMA
How might an ABG change during an acute asthma exacerbation?
- Initially respiratory alkalosis due to tachypnoea dropping CO2
- Normal pCO2 or hypoxia is concerning sign as indicates exhaustion
- Respiratory acidosis due to high CO2 is very bad sign = near-fatal asthma
ASTHMA
What is the management of an acute asthma exacerbation?
O SHIT ME –
- Oxygen (SpO2 94–98%), 15L NRB and titrate down
- Salbutamol 5mg spacer or neb (oxygen driven, IV if no response)
- Hydrocortisone 100mg IV or PO pred 40–50mg for 5d
- Ipratropium bromide 0.5mg neb (severe/life-threatening or not responding to SABA/steroid)
- Theophylline IV (senior)
- Mag sulf 2g IV (senior) this before theophylline
- Escalate early > ICU
ASTHMA
What are the discharge criteria following an asthma exacerbation?
- Stable on d/c meds (no nebs or oxygen) for 12–24h
- Inhaler technique checked + recorded
- PEFR >75% predicted
COPD
What is COPD?
What is it made up of?
- Non-reversible, progressive deterioration in airflow through the lungs caused by damage to lung tissue causing airway obstruction making it more difficult to ventilate the lungs making them prone to developing infections
- Chronic bronchitis (blue bloaters) and emphysema (pink puffers)
COPD
What is…
i) chronic bronchitis?
ii) emphysema?
i) Hypertrophy + hyperplasia of mucus glands in bronchi = V/Q mismatch due to bronchoconstriction so cyanosis but no hyperventilation, rely on hypoxic drive
ii) Enlargement of air spaces + destruction of alveolar walls so air trapping post exhalation = inability to oxygenate so hyperventilation but no cyanosis
COPD
What are the causes of COPD?
- Smoking = major contributor
- Early-onset emphysema in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency due to increase in proteases which damage lung tissue
COPD
What are the symptoms and signs of COPD?
- Chronic cough, sputum (often white), dyspnoea
- Tachypnoea, pursed-lip breathing, cachexia, expiratory wheeze, accessory muscle use, hyperinflated barrel chest (reduced cricosternal distance)
COPD
What initial investigations might you do in COPD?
- ECG = P pulmonale (RA hypertrophy) + RVH if cor pulmonale
- FBC (polycythaemia if chronic hypoxia)
- A1AT levels
- ABG (high bicarb indicates chronic CO2 retainer)
- CXR = hyperinflated chest (>6 ant. ribs), flat hemidiaphragm, bullae
COPD
What diagnostic investigation would you do in COPD?
How is it classified?
- Spirometry = obstructive with no reversibility (FEV1 <80%, FEV1/FVC <70%)
All have FEV1/FVC <70% – - Stage 1 mild = Sx for diagnosis as FEV1≥80%
- Stage 2 moderate = FEV1 50–79%
- Stage 3 severe = FEV1 30–49
- Stage 4 very severe = FEV1 <30%
COPD
What are bullae?
How may they present?
- Air spaces in lung due to alveolar damage
- If large can mimic pneumothorax presenting as lucency without a visible wall
COPD
What is the lifestyle management of COPD?
- Smoking cessation #1
- Yearly flu + one off PCV
- Pulmonary rehab (exercise, nutrition, breathing exercises, education)
COPD
What is the mechanism of action of short/long-acting muscarinic antagonists and give examples?
- Block ACh receptors which are usually stimulated by PSNS causing bronchial smooth muscle contraction + bronchoconstriction
- Short = ipratropium bromide
- Long = tiotropium bromide (Spiriva)
COPD
What is the first step in COPD management?
What is considered in step 2?
- SABA or SAMA PRN
- Features suggestive of steroid responsiveness = previous atopy Dx, eosinophilia, reduced FEV1 or diurnal FEV1 variation
COPD
What is the further management of COPD in someone with no steroid responsive features?
- LABA + LAMA (Ultibro) (if on SAMA swap to SABA PRN)
- If still breathless or exacerbations then triple therapy with LABA + LAMA + ICS (Trimbow)
COPD
What is the further management of COPD in someone with steroid responsive features?
- LABA + ICS (Fostair)
- If still breathless or exacerbations then triple therapy with LABA + LAMA + ICS (Trimbow) (if on SAMA swap to SABA PRN)
COPD
If triple therapy fails, what else might be considered?
What other interventions may be considered?
- PO theophylline, mucolytics like carbocisteine, specialist input
- Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)
- Lung volume reduction surgery or transplant if severe in select
COPD
What is the criteria for LTOT?
- 2x ABGs 3w apart showing PaO2 <7.3 or 7.3–8 with 1 of: nocturnal hypoxia, polycythaemia, peripheral oedema or pulmonary HTN
- Non-smokers only due to fire hazard
COPD
How does an acute exacerbation of COPD present?
What are the common causes?
- Increased dyspnoea, cough + wheeze ± purulent sputum
- Haemophilus influenzae #1, strep. pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, viral
COPD
What investigations would you do in someone with an acute COPD exacerbation?
- FBC, U&E, CRP, ABG, blood cultures if septic
- Sputum MC&S, ECG, CXR
COPD
What is the initial management of an acute COPD exacerbation?
ABCDE
- Oxygen (15L NRB then titrate using venturi 28–40) aim for 88–92%
- Increase bronchodilator use ± nebs (salbutamol 5mg 4h, ipratropium 0.5mg 6h)
- PO pred 30mg OD 5d or IV hydrocort 200mg if severe
- PO amox/doxy/clari if sputum purulent or clinical signs of pneumonia
- Chest physio to aid sputum clearance
COPD
If the initial acute COPD management fails, what can be done?
- Escalate to NIV ± intubation with ICU support
- CPAP = T1RF and pulmonary oedema
- BiPAP = T2RF
LUNG CANCER
What are the 2 main types of lung cancer? Which is more common?
What are some risk factors?
- Non-small cell lung carcinoma (majority)
- Small cell lung carcinoma
- Smoking, occupational (asbestos, silica), HIV, radiation
LUNG CANCER
What are the three subtypes of NSCLC? What are some features of each?
- Adenocarcinoma (#1) = most common type in non-smokers but most pts smokers, peripheral
- Squamous = smokers, central, cavitates, poor prognosis
- Large cell = peripheral, large, poorly differentiated
LUNG CANCER
What specific sequelae can adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas lead to?
- Adeno = gynaecomastia
- Squamous = high Ca2+ from ectopic PTH-rP = primary hyperparathyroidism and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
LUNG CANCER
What are some features of SCLC?
- Almost always smokers, central, early mets, causes paraneoplastic syndromes and SVC obstruction, worst prognosis
LUNG CANCER
What are some SCLC paraneoplastic syndromes?
- ADH > SIADH
- ACTH = Cushing’s + also ?bilateral adrenal hyperplasia with high cortisol leading to hypokalaemic alkalosis
- Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
LUNG CANCER
What is the referral criteria for lung cancer?
≥40y and ≥2 unexplained Sx in a non-smoker or ≥1 smoker = urgent 2w CXR
- SOB, cough, chest pain
- Fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss
CXR ?lung cancer or haemoptysis in ≥40y = urgent 2ww appt
LUNG CANCER
What signs are concerning for lung cancer?
What is the referral criteria?
Consider 2w urgent CXR if ≥40y with any of:
- Persistent or recurrent chest infection
- Finger clubbing
- Supraclavicular or persistent cervical lymphadenopathy
- Fixed monophonic wheeze
- Thrombocytosis on FBC
LUNG CANCER
What is the first-line investigation used in lung cancer?
What might it show?
- CXR
- Peripheral/hilar opacity indicating nodule
- Pleural effusion due to inflammatory reaction
- Pneumothorax or atelectasis (collapse of lung or lobe)
LUNG CANCER
What further investigations are required to diagnose lung cancer?
- CT CAP (staging)
- Biopsy for cytology either via bronchoscopy (EBUS) if central or CT guided biopsy with fine needle aspiration if peripheral
- PET scan
LUNG CANCER
What are some potential complications due to lung cancer?
- L recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy = hoarse voice
- Phrenic nerve palsy = diaphragm weakness with SOB
- Brachial plexus = shoulder pain
- Sympathetic ganglion = Horner’s syndrome (anhidrosis, miosis, ptosis in apical Pancoast tumours)
- Mets to bone, brain, liver
- SVCO
LUNG CANCER
How does SVCO present?
- Oncological emergency = SOB, swelling of face, neck + arms, visual disturbance and dilated veins
- Pemberton’s test = lift arms = facial plethora and cyanosis
LUNG CANCER
What is the management of SVCO?
- STAT PO dexamethasone
- ?stenting or chemo/radiotherapy
LUNG CANCER
What is the management of NSCLC?
- Lobectomy first-line if isolated
- Curative radiotherapy if stage I–II
- Chemotherapy if stage III–IV to control disease + improve QOL
LUNG CANCER
What is the management of SCLC?
- Often just palliative chemotherapy
PNEUMONIA
What are the three main types of pneumonia?
- CAP = outside hospital
- HAP = >48h after admission
- Aspiration = acute aspiration of gastric contents into lungs, seen in neuro deficit (CVA, MS, MND), LOC, intoxication + tracheostomy
PNEUMONIA
What are the common causes of CAP?
- Strep pneumoniae #1
- Haemophilus influenzae (COPD)
- Staph aureus (commonly after influenza)
PNEUMONIA
What are the common causes of HAP?
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staph aureus
- Gram -ve enterobacteria
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
PNEUMONIA
What are some unique features of klebsiella pneumonia?
- Seen in alcoholics
- Red-currant sputum
- Upper lobes affected giving cavitating pneumonia
PNEUMONIA
What are the atypical pneumonias?
Legions of psittaci MCQs –
- Legions = legionella pneumophila
- Psittaci = chlamydia psittaci
- M = mycoplasma pneumoniae
- C = chlamydophila pneumoniae
- Q = Q fever (Coxiella burnetti)
PNEUMONIA
What are the features of legionella pneumophila?
- From infected water supplies + aircon
- Dry cough, relative bradycardia, confusion, lymphopaenia, hyponatraemia + deranged LFTs
PNEUMONIA
What are the features of…
i) chlamydia psittaci?
ii) Q fever?
i) Infected birds, flu-like Sx, splenomegaly
ii) animal + their bodily fluids exposure
PNEUMONIA
What are the features of mycoplasma pneumoniae?
What are some complications?
- Erythema multiforme, dry cough, flu-like Sx, neuro Sx in young
- Complications = cold agglutins IgM haemolytic anaemia, neuro (GBS, encephalitis), peri/myocarditis, bullous myringitis
PNEUMONIA
What fungal cause of pneumonia is there?
- Pneumocystis jiroveci seen in immunocompromised
PNEUMONIA
What are the symptoms and signs of pneumonia?
- Fever, SOB, cough with purulent sputum (dry in atypicals), haemoptysis + pleuritic CP
- Pyrexia, tachypnoea, tachycardia, focal coarse creps, dull to percuss, bronchial breathing
PNEUMONIA
What initial risk tool would you calculate in someone with suspected pneumonia?
CURB-65 –
- Confusion
- Urea >7mmol/L
- RR >30
- BP <90/60
- ≥65 years old
PNEUMONIA
What investigations would you do in pneumonia?
- Bloods = FBC (neutrophilia, raised WCC), U&E, LFT, CRP, cultures
- Sputum MC&S, mycoplasma and COVID-19 PCRs
- Pneumococcal + legionella urinary antigen tests
- CXR
PNEUMONIA
What might a CXR show in pneumonia?
What would you expect in aspiration pneumonia?
- Lobar, multilobar, cavitation or pleural effusions
- R middle/lower lobe consolidation due to R bronchus being more vertical
PNEUMONIA
What are some complications of pneumonia?
- Pleural effusion + empyema
- Lung abscess
- Pneumothorax
- Sepsis
PNEUMONIA
How would empyema present?
How do you manage it?
- WCC/CRP/temp won’t settle after Abx, foul smelling sputum
- Chest drain
PNEUMONIA
What is the initial management of pneumonia?
What follow-up is required?
- Oxygen to maintain SpO2 >94%
- Abx
- Follow-up appt + CXR in 6w