Respiratory Flashcards
What are the British thoracic society guidelines on what constitutes an acute severe asthma attack?
PEF 33-50% best or predicted
Resp rate 25 or above
Heart rate 110 or above
Inability to complete sentences in 1 breath
What are the British thoracic society guidelines on what constitutes a moderate asthma attack?
Increasing symptoms
PEF >50-75% best or predicted
No features of acute severe asthma
What are the British thoracic society guidelines on what constitutes a life threatening asthma attack?
PEF <33% best or predicted SpO2 less than 92% PaO2 less than 8kPa Normal PaCO2 (4.6-6 kPa) Silent chest Cyanosis Poor resp effort Arrhythmia Exhaustion, altered conscious level Hypotension
What are the British thoracic society guidelines on what constitutes a near fatal asthma attack?
Raised PaCO2 and/or requiring mechanical ventilation with raised inflation pressures
For someone presenting with an acute severe asthma attack, what drugs should be administered immediately and by what route? If they fail to respond to this, what should you give now?
Oxygen Nebulised salbutamol or terbutaline Nebulised ipratromium bromide Oral prednisolone or IV hydrocortisone If fails: IV magnesium sulphate, IV salbutamol, IV aminophylline
Why is a normal CO2 result in a patient with an acute severe asthma attack worrying? What further intervention would you do for this patient?
Suggests patient is tiring, would expect it to be low if they were adequately compensating
Intubation/ventilation in ITU
A 23 year old man is seen in ED with 10% pneumothorax of the right lung. His BP and pulse are stable. What needs to be done?
Oxygen therapy only as he is stable
What are risk factors for DVT and PE?
Thrombophilia - protein s and c Factor VIII excess Factor V Leiden Pregnancy Pre eclampsia Surgery Age over 35 Malignancy Smoking Obesity Immobility Parity above 4
What is bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy characteristic of?
Sarcoidosis
What skin condition is acute sarcoidosis associated with?
Erythema nodosum
What is amyloidosis?
Extra cellular deposits of degradation resistant protein amyloid
What are causes of amyloidosis?
Primary: no cause is found
Secondary: TB, bronchiectasis, RA, osteomyelitis, neoplasia
How is a diagnosis of amyloidosis made?
Rectum biopsy
Congo red staining of affected tissue
Give examples of transudative causes of pleural effusion
Nephrotic syndrome
Liver cirrhosis
Heart failure
What are features of COPD on a chest X-ray?
Hyperinflation
Flattened hemidiaphragms
Hyperlucent lung fields
If there is a white out on chest X-ray and the trachea is pulled towards it, what are differentials?
Pneumonectomy
Complete lung collapse
Pulmonary hypoplasia
If there is a complete white out on chest X-ray and the trachea is central, what are differentials?
Consolidation
Pulmonary oedema
Mesothelioma
If there is a complete white out on chest X-ray but the trachea is pushed away, what are differentials?
Pleural effusion
Diaphragmatic hernia
Large thoracic mass
What common clinical signs are found with a PE?
Tachypnoea
Crackles
Tachycardia
Fever
What is the Wells score for PE?
Clinical signs and symptoms of DVT - leg swelling and pain on palpation (3) Alternative diagnosis less likely (3) Heart rate >100 (1.5) Immobilisation for more than 3 days or surgery in previous 4 weeks (1.5) Previous DVT/PE (1.5) Haemoptysis (1) Malignancy (1) Score more than 4: PE likely
What are features of small cell lung cancer?
Central
Associated ectopic ADH, ACTH secretion: Hyponatraemia, Cushings
Lambert Eaton syndrome
What is management of small cell lung cancer?
Usually metastatic at diagnosis
Early stage disease: T1-2a surgery
Limited disease: chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy
Extensive disease: palliative chemo
What are the BTS guidelines for management of spontaneous pneumothorax?
Primary: if rim of air is <2cm and patient not short of breath, discharge, otherwise attempt aspiration, if this fails then chest drain, advice stop smoking
Secondary: if over 50 and rim of air over 2cm or SOB then chest drain, rim of 1-2cm - aspiration, if this fails then chest drain. All patients admitted for 24h. If less than 1cm rim give oxygen and admit for 24h
What are the steps of asthma management in the new BTS guidelines?
Initial step: low dose inhaled corticosteroid in combination with a short acting beta agonist
Next step: add long acting beta agonist ideally in combo inhaler
Next step: if no response to LABA, stop and increase ICS to medium. If response to LABA, continue and increase ICS to medium. Alternative try a leukotriene antagonist, SR theophylline or LAMA
Next step: trials of ICS high dose, add fourth drug, refer to specialist care
Next step: regular oral steroids at lowest dose to achieve control
What are features of mycoplasma pneumonia?
Prolonged and gradual onset
Flu like symptoms precede dry cough
Bilateral consolidation on X-ray
What are some complications of mycoplasma pneumonia?
Cold agglutins (IgM) may cause haemolytic anaemia Erythema multiforme/nodosum Meningoencephalitis Guillain-Barré syndrome Bullous myringitis: vesicles on TM Pericarditis/myocarditis Hepatitis Pancreatitis Acute glomerulonephritis
What investigations are done for mycoplasma pneumonia?
Mycoplasma serology
Positive cold agglutination test
What is the management of mycoplasma pneumonia?
Erythromycin/clarithromycin
What is given to treat low or moderate severity community acquired pneumonia?
Oral amoxicillin. Add macrolide if admitted
What should be given to treat high severity community acquired pneumonia?
IV co amoxiclav and clarithromycin
or cefuroxime and clarithromycin
or cefotaxime and clarithromycin
What are some intrathoracic complications of carcinoma of the bronchus?
Pleural effusions
Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
SVC obstruction
Horners syndrome
What are clinical features of mesothelioma?
Chest pain
Dyspnoea
Blood stained pleural effusion
What causes farmers lung?
Hypersensitivity reaction to saccharopolyspora rectivirgula
What is the treatment of choice for farmers lung (hypersensitivity pneumonitis)?
Prednisolone
What are clinical features of cystic fibrosis?
Persistent productive cough (esp winter)
Haemoptysis
Clubbing
Low pitched inspiratory and expiratory crackles
What does chest X-ray of a patient with cystic fibrosis show?
Cystic shadows
Fluid levels
Tramline or ring shadows
What is the acute management of asthma?
Oxygen Salbutamol nebs Steroids IV CXR rule out pneumothorax Magnesium 2g over 30 mins IV theophylline ITU review if silent chest or tiring patient
How does idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis typically present?
Male aged 50-70
Progressive exertional dyspnoea
Clubbing
Restrictive picture on spirometry
Which virus causes bronchiolitis?
Respiratory syncytial virus
Which virus causes croup?
Parainfluenza virus
Which virus causes the common cold?
Rhinovirus
Which bug is the most common cause of community acquired pneumonia?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Which bug is the most common cause of bronchiectasis exacerbations?
Haemophilus influenzae
Which bug causes pneumonia particularly following influenza?
Staphylococcus aureus
What is the common cause of pneumonia in HIV patients?
Pneumocystis jiroveci
What are general management pieces of advice to give to a patient with COPD?
Smoking cessation advice
Annual influenza vaccination
One off pneumococcal vaccination
What is first line treatment for COPD?
SABA or SAMA
What is the second step in COPD management?
If FEV1 >50%: LABA or LAMA
If FEV1 <50%: LABA and ICS in combo inhaler or LAMA
What are features of cor pulmonale?
Peripheral oedema
Raised JVP
Systolic parasternal heave
Loud P2
How do you treat cor pulmonale?
Loop diuretic for oedema
Long term oxygen therapy
What factors may improve survival in patients with stable COPD?
Smoking cessation
Long term oxygen therapy in those who fit criteria
Lung volume reduction surgery in selected patients
What are key indications for non invasive ventilation?
COPD with respiratory acidosis pH 7.25-7.35
Type II respiratory failure secondary to chest wall deformity, neuromuscular disease or obstructive sleep apnoea
Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema unresponsive to CPAP
Weaning from tracheal intubation
What are some causes of bronchiectasis?
Post infective: TB, measles, pertussis, pneumonia
Cystic fibrosis
Bronchial obstruction: cancer, foreign body
Immune deficiency: selective IgA, hypogammaglobulinaemia
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Ciliary dyskinetic syndrome: kartageners, youngs
Yellow nail syndrome
What is a ghon focus?
Lesion seen in lung caused by TB
Calcified tuberculous caseating granuloma
What is miliary TB?
Erosion through a vein that leads to widespread dissemination of mycobacterium tuberculosis to a range of different organs including bones and kidneys
In what range of pH is NIV considered of most benefit in patients with COPD?
7.25-7.35
How is PCP pneumonia best detected?
Bronchoscopy and bronchial aspirate
What is Potts disease?
Tuberculosis infection of the spine
What is the clinical picture of aspergillus fumigatus?
Wheeze Cough Dyspnoea Recurrent pneumonia Raised serum IgE Raised ESR Raised eosinophil count
What are contraindications to surgery for lung cancer?
SVC obstruction FEV <1.5L Malignant pleural effusion Vocal cord paralysis Stage IIIb or IV Tumour near hilum
What are characteristics of squamous cell cancer of the lung?
Central
PTHrP secretion - hypercalcaemia
Clubbing
Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
What are features of adenocarcinoma of the lung?
Peripheral
Most common lung cancer in non smokers
What are features of large cell lung carcinoma?
Peripheral
Anaplastic, poorly differentiated tumours with poor prognosis
May secrete beta HCG
What is Kartageners syndrome?
Primary ciliary dyskinesia Dextrocardia or situs inversus Bronchiectasis Recurrent sinusitis Subfertility
What are features of a mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia?
Prolonged gradual onset
Flu like symptoms precede a dry cough
Bilateral consolidation
What are possible complications of mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Cold agglutinins (IgM) - haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia Erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum Meningoencephalitis Guillain Barre Bullous myringitis Pericarditis/myocarditis Hepatitis Pancreatitis Acute glomerulonephritis
How is mycoplasma pneumoniae investigated?
Mycoplasma serology
Positive cold agglutination test
How is mycoplasma pneumoniae managed?
Erythromycin /clarithromycin
Which patients should be assessed for long term oxygen therapy?
Severe airflow obstruction: FEV1 <30% predicted Cyanosis Polycythemia Peripheral oedema Raised JVP Oxygen sats less than 92% on air
How is assessment for long term oxygen therapy made in patients with COPD?
Measuring ABG on 2 occasions at least 3 weeks apart
Who should be offered long term oxygen therapy?
PO2 <7.3 or if 7.3-8 and: Secondary polycythemia Nocturnal hypoxaemia Peripheral oedema Pulmonary HTN
What is the most appropriate next step for a 71 year old patient presenting with a 2 month history of cough and associated weight loss who has a suspicious lung mass on chest X-ray?
Contrast enhanced CT of chest, liver and adrenals
In which respiratory condition would a patient present with desaturation on exertion but with a normal chest X-ray and a history of recurrent chest infections?
Pneumocystis jiroveci
What is the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS? Who should have prophylaxis?
Pneumocystis jiroveci
All patients with CD4 count below 200
How is pneumocystis jeroveci managed?
Co trimoxazole
IV pentamidine in severe cases
Steroids if hypoxic
What are features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Progressive exertional dyspnoea
Bibasal crackles on auscultation
Dry cough
Clubbing
What investigation is required to make a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
High resolution CT
What is the management for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Pirfenidone (anti fibrotic agent)
Supplementary oxygen
Lung transplant
What is the prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
3-4 years life expectancy
What is the main therapeutic benefit of using inhaled corticosteroids in COPD?
Reduced frequency of exacerbations
What is the target INR for a patient with recurrent PEs?
3.5
68 year old gentleman presents to GP with dry, persistent cough for anumber of weeks. Wife has noticed is becoming more short of breath when exercising. Reduced exercise since retirement so not noticed any change himself. Current smoker of 10/day for 30 years. Retired labourer/builder
O/E: slight SOB on entering the consultation room, Evidence of digital clubbing. Bilateral inspiratory crackles on auscultation. What are differential diagnoses?
Heart failure COPD PE Lung Cancer Infection Interstitial lung disease
What specific questions might you want to ask in a patient who you suspect has interstitial lung disease?
Environmental / occupational exposure: Asbestos, industrial dust, farmer, Pigeon breeding, Contaminated ventilation
PMH of connective tissue disease
Detailed drug history: Abx – nitrofurantoin, Anti-inflammatories – methotrexate, Biological agents, CV agents – amiodarone, Chemotherapeutics
What are some physiological and radiological features of interstitial lung disease?
Physiological: Restrictive ventilation defect on lung function tests, Small lung volumes, Reduced gas transfer
Radiological: CXR – small lung volumes with reticulonodular shadowing, HRCT – ground glass changes, honeycomb cysts and traction bronchiectasis
What investigations might you want to do for interstitial lung disease?
Bloods:FBC – lymphopenia in sarcoidosis, eosinophilia, neutrophilia inhypersensitivity pneumonitis, ESR, CRP – non specifically elevated, Ca2+ - raised in sarcoidosis
Auto-immune screen – connective tissue disease
Imaging: CXR, HRCT
Special test: Lung function tests – restrictive pattern, Bronchoscopy, Bronchoalveolar lavage – may differentiate diagnosis / exclude infection, Biopsy – useful in sarcoidosis, Surgical biopsy
What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown origin
Clinical syndrome associated with histological and radiological pattern of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
Patchy interstitial fibrosis
Architectural alteration – honeycomb changes
Repeated episodes of focal damage to the alveolar epithelium
Diagnosis of exclusion based on history, examination, investigations