Respiratory Flashcards
COPD - still breathless despite using SABA/SAMA and asthma/steroid responsive features –>
add a LABA + ICS
COPD - still breathless despite using SABA/SAMA and no asthma/steroid responsive features –>
A LAMA/LABA inhaler would be a suitable option if the patient has no asthmatic features, or features suggesting steroid responsiveness. However, the diurnal variation with raised eosinophil count does suggest this may be the case.
patients with asthma who are not controlled with a SABA + ICS should first have a… added
Leukotriene receptor antagonist added, not a LABA (due to cost-effectiveness)
How do we dx pulmonary fibrosis?
HR CT
How does idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis present?
a male patient aged 50-70 years presenting with progressive exertional dyspnoea associated with clubbing and a restrictive picture on spirometry,
What are Light’s criteria?
Effusion lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level greater than 2/3 the upper limit of serum LDH
Pleural fluid LDH divided by serum LDH >0.6
Pleural fluid protein divided by serum protein >0.5
When do we use Light’s criteria?
In the assessment of a pleural effusion, it is important to ascertain whether the effusion is a transudate or exudate. This can sometimes be ascertained quite easily by looking at the protein content of the pleural fluid (transudate protein content < 25g/L and exudate protein content > 35g/L). However, in some cases (i.e. protein content 25-35g/L) Light’s criteria need to be applied.
What is aspergilloma?
Aspergilloma is a fungal growth affecting immunocompromised patients or those with underlying cavitating lung disease such as tuberculosis or emphysema. Symptoms of include fever, cough and haemoptysis. Treatment is with anti fungal medications such as itraconazole.
What is the most common organism causing IE COPD?
The most common organism causing infective exacerbations of COPD is Haemophilus influenzae
Where do you see parallel-line shadows?
Bronchiectasis
What is the most common organism causing IECOPD?
The most common organism causing infective exacerbations of COPD is Haemophilus influenzae
What is seen on CXR in HF?
Alveolar oedema (bat’s wings), Kerley B lines (interstitial oedema), Cardiomegaly, Dilated prominent upper lobe vessels, Effusion (pleural) are features of heart failure on a chest x-ray
What is budesonide
ICS inhaler
What ix do we do in suspected lung ca?
CT w/ contrast
Do we give NIV in acute severe asthma?
No - IV mag sulph
Which abx prophylaxis can be given in COPD?
Azithromycin
What is the first-line mx in COPD?
A SABA or SAMA is the first-line pharmacological treatment of COPD
What is the Mantoux test for?
TB
Give a RF for mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure
What are the four commonest causes of anterior mediastinal mass
teratoma, terrible lymphadenopathy, thymic mass and thyroid mass
Which CT scan would you request in myasthenia gravis
In cases of myasthenia gravis, it is important to perform a CT chest in order to look for a thymoma. Removal of a thymoma may improve the condition in certain patients and prevents malignant transformation.