Respiratory Flashcards
What is pneumonia?
Lung tissue infection causing inflammation and sputum filling the airways and alveoli.
What is seen on a chest XRAY in pneumonia?
consolidation of affected area
How does pneumonia present?
- cough - productive
- fever (>38.5)
- tachypnoea (ranges vary depending on age)
- tachycardia
- increased work of breathing
- lethargy / sleepiness
- delirium - acute confusion
What are the signs of pneumonia?
- tachypnoea
- tachycardia
- hypoxia
- hypotension (shock)
- fever
- confusion
- bronchial breath sounds (harsh sounds on both inspiration and expiration)
- focal coarse crackles (air passing through mucus)
- dullness to percussion
What are some of the common causes of pneumonia?
Bacterial
- streptococcus pneumonia
- Group A strep ( pyogenes )
- Group B strep (neonates from birth - pre vaccinations)
- staph aureus
- haemophilus influenza
Viral
- RSV - respiratory syncytial virus
- influenza / parainfluenza
What investigations are done for suspected pneumonia?
- chest XRAY
- sputum culture and throat swab
- initial SEPSIS six if indicated
- capillary blood gas can be useful
How is pneumonia managed?
Follow local abx guidelines. Amoxicillin - first line. A macrolide can be added to cover atypical organisms (e.g. clarithromycin).
Give oxygen if required.
Name some causes of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections
- reflux
- aspiration
- neurological disease
- heart disease
- asthma
- CF
- primary ciliary dyskinesia
- immune deficiency
What is croup?
Acute respiratory infection causing oedema in the larynx - typically between 6 months and 2 years.
What commonly causes croup?
- parainfluenza
- influenza
- adenovirus
- RSV - respiratory syncytial virus
(in undeveloped countries - diphtheria leading to epiglottitis)
How does croup present?
- increased work of breathing
- barking cough ( in clusters )
- hoarse voice
- stridor
- low grade fever
How is croup managed?
- mainly supportive - fluids and rest.
- avoid spread - stay off school, good hand washing
If more severe:
- oral dexamethasone - single dose 150mcg/kg (normally responds in <48hrs)
- oxygen
- nebulised budesonide (corticosteroid)
- nebulised adrenaline
- intubation and ventilation
What is bronchiolitis?
inflammation and infection in the bronchioles (small airways in the lungs) - usually caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
Who is most likely to have bronchiolitis?
Children under 1 (particularly <6 mnths or ex-premature babies)
How does bronchiolitis present?
- coryzal symptoms - viral URTI symptoms - sneezing, runny nose, mucus in throat, watery eyes
- signs of respiratory distress
- dyspnoea (heavy laboured breathing)
- tachypnoea (fast)
- poor feeding
- mild fever
- wheeze and crackles on auscultation
What are the signs of respiratory distress?
- tachypnoea (increased resp rate)
- use of accessory muscles
- intercostal and subcostal recessions
- nasal flaring
- tracheal tugging
- head bobbing
- cyanosis (low O2 sats)
- abnormal airway noises
How long do the symptoms of bronchiolitis last?
7-10 days with full recovery normally being in 2-3 weeks. Symptoms peak on day 3/4.
When are children with bronchiolitis admitted?
- pre-existing medical conditions such as prematurity, CF, Downs
- < 75% of their normal milk intake (poor feeding)
- clinical dehydration
- RR > 70
- O2 <92%
- moderate to severe resp. distress
- apnoeas (short periods where breathing stops)
How is bronchiolitis managed?
Supportive management
- ensuring adequate intake - may require NG tube or IV fluids
- saline nasal drops and nasal suctioning
- supplementary oxygen if sats <92%
- ventilatory support if required
What are the methods of ventilatory support for bronchiolitis?
- high flow humidified oxygen (prevents airways from collapsing)
- CPAP - continuous positive airway pressure
- intubation and ventilation - with endotracheal tube
How can ventilation be assessed in paeds?
Capillary blood gases
What does a capilliary blood gas show if there is poor ventilation?
- rising pCO2
- falling pH (respiratory acidosis)
What is palivizumab?
A monoclonal antibody that targets RSV. It is a monthly injection given to high risk babies - e.g. extremely premature or congenital heart disease. Gives passive protection (not long term).
What is epiglottitis?
Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis due to infection (usually haemophilus influenza type B). This can lead to full obstruction of the airway.
Why is epiglottitis rare?
Routine vaccination against haemophilus
How does epiglottitis present?
- sore throat
- stridor
- drooling
- tripoding position
- fever
- difficulty or painful swallowing
- muffled voice
- septic features
How to investigate epiglottitis?
If acutely well - treat rather than do investigations. Do not examine to distress the patient and worsen any obstruction.
- can do lateral XRAY of the neck - showing the “thumb sign”. It can also help to exclude a foreign body.