Respiratory Conditions Flashcards
Define ARDS
Non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and diffuse lung inflammation.
What do you need to see to diagnose ARDS
Acute onset
Bilateral infiltrates
Opacity on CXR
What Conditions lead to ARDS?
T - Trauma O - Opiate overdose A - Aspiration S - Sepsis T - Transplantation P - Pneumonia
Risk Factors for ARDS
Critical illness Smoking Alcohol Sepsis Aspiration Blood transfusion Lung transplant
Investigations for ARDS
CXR - Bilateral infiltrates
ABG (Hypoxaemia)
Cough with frothy sputum
Echo - Severe aortic or mitral valve dysfunciton
Sputum/blood/urine culture - positive if underlying infection
Signs of ARDS
Cyanosis Tachycardia Tachypnoea Bilateral diffuse inspiratory crackles Hypoxaemia refractory to O2 Peripheral vasodilation
Symptoms of ARDS
SOB
Respiratory distress
Cough
What investigations are done for ARDS?
CXR ( B/L infiltrate) ABG (Decreased O2) Sputum culture, Blood culture, Urine culture (Positive for underlying cause) Amylase + Lipase (if pancreatitis) Consider: BNP, Echo
What is asbestos-related lung disease?
Industrial dust diseases (Asbestosis, Mesothelioma)
What is Asbestosis?
Long-term inflammation and scarring of lungs caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres
What is Mesothelioma?
Aggressive tumour of mesothelial cells that occurs in the Pleura (90%) and sometimes in the peritoneum, pericardium or testes
What is the cause of asbestosis?
3 different types of asbestos chrysotile (White), Crocidolite (Blue), Amosite (Brown).
Commonly used in building trade (Shipyard workers!)
Degree of asbestosis depends on degree of fibrosis
Inflammation gradually causes mesothelial plaques in pleura
Increased risk of bronchial adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma
What is the cause of mesothelioma?
Associated with occupational exposure
45 year latency period
Malignant mesothelioma spreads to distant sites, most present with locally advanced disease
What are the risk factors of abestos-related lung disease?
Cumulative asbestos inhalation
Often occupational
What are the symptoms of asbestos related lung disease?
Asbestosis - progressive dyspnoea Mesothelioma: SOB, Chest pain, weight loss Fatigue Fever Night sweats Bone pain Abdominal pain Sometimes, bloody sputum
What are the signs of asbestos related lung disease?
Asbestosis:
Clubbing
Fine end-inspiratory crackles
Mesothelioma: Occasional palpable chest wall mass Clubbing Recurrent pleural effusion Signs of mets: Lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, bone tenderness Abdominal pain/obstruction Rarely cause pneumothorax
What is Aspergillus lung disease?
Lung disease associated with Aspergillus fungal infection
5 different ways this group of fungi can affect your lungs
What are the 5 ways that aspergillus fungi can affect the lungs?
Asthma Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis Aspergilloma Invasive aspergillosis Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
How does aspergillus cause asthma?
Type I hypersensitivity (atopic) reaction to fungal spores
How does it cause Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)?
Type I and III hypersensitivity reactions to aspergillus fumigatus
How does aspergillus cause aspergilloma (mycetoma)?
A fungus ball within a pre-existing cavity (often caused by sarcoidosis or TB)
How do aspergillus fungi cause extrinsic allergic alveolitis(EAA)?
Due to sensitivity to aspergillus clavatus
What is Malt workers lung?
EAA caused by aspergillus clavatus
What causes aspergilloma?
Growth of A.fumigatus mycetoma ball in a pre-existing lung cavity
What causes ABPA?
Colonisation of the airways by aspergillus fumigatus leads to IgE and IgG-mediated immune response
Occurs in asthmatics and CF patients
Release of proteolytic enzymes, mycotoxins and antibodies leads to airway damage, initially causing bronchoconstriction but as inflammation persists, permanent damage occurs as bronchiectasis
What causes invasive aspergillosis?
Invasion of aspergillus into lung tissue and fungal dissemination
Occurs in immunosuppressed patitnes (e.g. Neutropenia, Steroids, AIDS) or after broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy
What are the Risk factors for aspergillus lung disease?
Allogenic stem cell transplant/solid organ transplant Prolonged neutropenia (>10 days) Immunosuppression Chronic Granulomatous Disease Aplastic anaemia Acute leukaemia Pre-existing cavity (aspergilloma)
What are the symptoms of Aspergilloma?
Asymptomatic
May cause cough, haemoptysis, lethargy, weight loss
What are the symptoms of ABPA?
Difficult to control asthma
Recurrent episodes of pneumonia with wheeze, cough, sputum, dyspnoea, fever and malaise
What are the symptoms of invasive aspergillosis?
Dyspnoea
Rapid deterioration
Septic picture
What are the signs of aspergillus lung disease?
Tracheal deviation (only with very large aspergillomas)
Dullness in affected lung
Reduced breath sounds
Wheeze (in ABPA)
Cyanosis (Possible in invasive aspergillosis)
What are the investigations for Aspergilloma?
CXR (Round mass with a crescent of air around it) - usually found in the upper lobes
CT/MRI - used if CXR unclear
Strongly positive serum precitpitins
Aspergillus skin test +ve in 30%
What are the investigations of ABPA?
Immediate skin test reactivity to aspergillus
Aspergillus-specific IgE radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
Eosinophilia
Raised total serum IgE
Raised specific serum IgE and IgG to A. fumigatus
Aspergillus in sputum
CXR (Patchy shadows, segmental collapse or consolidation, distended mucous-filled bronchi, Signs of complications (Fibrosis in upper lobes, bronchiectasis)
CT (lung infiltrates, central bronchiectasis)
Lung function test (Reversible airflow limitation, Reduced lung volumes/gas transfer)
What investigations are done for invasive aspergillosis?
Apergillus detected in cultures or by histological examination
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or sputum may be used diagnostically
Chest CT (nodules surrounded by ground-glass appearance [halo sign], caused by haemorrhage into tissue surrounding fungal invasion)
What is Asthma?
Chronic inflammatory airway disease characterised by paroxysmal airway obstruction and hyper-reactivity.
What three things occur in asthma?
Bronchospasm (smooth muscle spasm narrowing arteries)
Excessive production of secretions (plugging ariways)
Mucosal swelling/inflammation, caused by mast cell and basophil degranulation
What causes Asthma?
Airway inflammation secondary to a complex interaction of inflammatory cells, mediators and other cells and tissues in the airway.
Trigger leads to release of inflammatory mediators leading to a consequent activation and migration of other inflammatory cells
Inflammatory reaction is a Th2 lymphocyte response.
Th2 inflammation characterised by CD4 + lymphocytes that secrete IL-4/5/13, chemokine eotaxin, TNF-alpha and LTB4
This Th2 response is important in initiation and prolongation of the inflammatory cascade
What are the Risk factors for asthma?
Family history History of allergy/atopy Inner city environment Socio-economoic deprivation Nasal polyposis Obesity GORD Premature/low birthweight Smoking/maternal smoking Early exposure to broad spectrum ABx
What are possible predictive factiors of Asthma?
Breast-feeding
Vaginal birth
Lots of siblings
Farming environment
How do people with asthma present?
> 1 of following symptoms: Wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough
Beta blocker
Atopic history
Wheeze on auscultation
Low FEV1 or PEF
Unexplained eosinophilia
Cold air, viral infection, drugs, exercise, emotions, allergens, smoking/passive smoking, pollution all prelude it
What are the signs of Asthma?
Tachycardia Resp Rate >25 Sats <92 Inspiratory:Expiratory of 1:2 Hyperinflated chest Chest deformity in chronic asthma (Harrison's sulci) Intercostal recession with Respiratory distress Diffuse wheeze
What are the investigations are indicated for Asthma?
Peak flow (unreliable if they are under 5) - best of 3, biggest number Spirometry - preferred for confirmation. Repeat when symptomatic CXR - normal even with asthma
What is the management for asthma based on?
Based on 4 principles:
- Control symptoms, including nocturnal symptoms and those related to exercise
- Prevent exacerbation and need for rescue medication
- Achieve the best possble lung function (especially FEV1 and/or PEFR >80% predicted)
- Minimise side-effects
What must be considered when treating asthma?
Upper respiratory tract infections
Very difficult to treat asthma if co-existing allergic rhinitis
What types of inhalers are there?
Measured dose inhaler
Dose Prepared inhaler
What are the drug treatments for asthma?
Step 1: Salbutamol
Step 2: Regular inhaled steroids (Beclometasone diproprionate)
Step 3: LABA (not without oral steroids - budesonide) and increase to 800 micrograms of Beclometasone
Step 4: Increase to 2000 micrograms/day and a 4th drug (leukotriene receptor antagonist)
Step 5: Continuous or frequent use of oral steroids [Recommends omalizumab in severe persistent allergic IgE-mediated asthma]
What are the triggers for adding steroids?
Exacerbation in last 2 years
Use Blue Inhaler >3 times a week
Symptomatic >3 times a week
Waking due to asthma >1 time a week
How do you control exercise induced asthma?
Regularly inhaled steroids beyond anticipatory use of a bronchodilator when preparing for sport.
Consider adding LABAs, Leukotriene inhibitors, oral B2 agonists
What are the complications of Asthma?
Pneumonia Pneumothorax Pneumomediastinum Respiratory failure Arrest Chest wall deformity Growth retardation
What are predictors for controlled wheeze after school?
Presentation over 2 Male sex in pre pubertal Frequent or severe episodes of wheezing Personal or Family history of atopy Abnormal lung function
What is Bronchiectasis?
Permanent dilatation of bronchi due to destruction of the elastic and muscular components of the bronchial wall. Often caused as a consequence of recurrent and/or severe infections secondary to an underlying disorder
What causes Bronchiectasis?
Chronic lung inflammation leads to fibrosis and permanent dilatation of the bronchi due to destruction of the elastic and muscular components of the bronchial wall
Leads to pooling of mucous, predisposes to further cycles of infection, damage and fibrosis of bronchial walls
What conditions cause bronchiectasis?
Idiopathic (50%)
Congenital (CF, Young’s syndrome, Primary ciliary dyskinesia, Kartagener’s syndrome)
Post-infectious (Pneumonia, whooping cough)
Host immunodeficiency (HIV)
GORD
Bronchial obstruction
ABPA
What are the risk factors for Bronchiectasis?
Cystic fibrosis Host immunodeficiency Previous infections Congenital disorders of the bronchial airways Primary ciliary dyskinesia Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency Connective tissue disease IBD Aspiration or inhalation injury Focal bronchial obstruction Tall, thin, white females aged 60 or over
What are the symptoms of Bronchiectasis?
Purulent cough with copious sputum - worse laying flat Intermittent haemoptysis Breathlessness Chest pain Malaise Fever Weight loss Symptoms benign after acute respiratory illness Worsen during exacerbations
What are the signs of Bronchiectasis?
Clubbing
Coarse inspiratory crackles (at bases) - shift with coughing
Wheeze - high pitched inspiratory crackles
What investigations are done for Bronchiectasis?
FBC (Eosinophilia, ABPA, Neutrophilia) Rheumatid factors (Positive) Specific IgE or skin prick test for A. fumigatus CXR High-resolution CT Nasal nitric oxide Spirometry (obstructive image) 6-minute walk test (reduced in significantly reduced lung function) Serology (HIV, immunoglobulins) Serum alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotype
How do you manage acute bronchiectasis?
Lung damage irreparable
Treat underlying cause and co-existing medical problems
Exercise and improved nutrition + airway clearance therapy w/ inhaled bronchodilator and mucoactive agent
How do you manage ongoing bronchiectasis?
Mild to moderate causes: short term oral ABx + increased airway clearance (clear mucous) + continue maintenance
Severe underlying disease: Short term IV ABx + increased clearance + continue maintenance therapy
3 or more exacerbations per year despite maintenance therapy: Reassess physiotherapy +/- muco-active treatment + continue maintenance therapy w/ long-term ABX with surgery
What are the complications of Bronchiectasis?
Massive Haemoptysis
Respiratory failure
Cor Pulmonale
Ischaemic stroke
What is Cor pulomanle?
Abnormal enlargement of the right side of the heart due to underlying lung disease
what is COPD?
It is a common progressive disorder characterised by airway obstruction with little or no reversibility.
Includes: Emphysema & Chronic bronchitis
Usually have COPD or asthma not both
What are the signs and symptoms of COPD?
Respiratory distress (Tachypnoea, breathlessness on exertion, increased use of accessory muscles on breathing, pursed lips)
Abnormal posture (Lean forward for ease of breathing)
Drowsiness (Flapping tremor and confusion)
Other: Underweight, ankle oedema, cyanosis, hyperinflation of chest, downward displacement of liver
Cough
Sputum
Dyspnoea
Wheeze
What is the staging of COPD?
Stage 1: >/= 80% of FEV1
Stage 2: 50-79% of FEV1
Stage 3: 30-49% of FEV1
Stage 4: <30% of FEV1
What investigations are done for COPD?
FBC (Raised Hct, Possibly raised leucocytes)
Spirometry (FEV1/FVC <0.7)
ABG (PaCO2 >50mmHg and/or PaO2 <60mmHg)
CXR (Hyperinglation, flattened diaphragm, increased intercostal space)
ECG (R. ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmia, ischaemia)
How do you manage COPD?
Generally: Stop smoking, encourage exercise, treat malnutrition, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, pulmonary rehab or palliative care
Mild/moderate: LAMA (tiotropium) or LABA
Severe: LABA + Corticosteroids or tiotropium
If still symptomatic: Tiotropium + inhaled steroids + LABA
How do you treat more advanced COPD?
Pulomnary rehabilitation
Indication for surgery (recurrent pneumothoraces, isolated bullous disease, lung volume reduction surgery)
NIIV
Air travel risky if FEV1 <50% or PaO2 <6.7kPa
What are the complications of COPD?
Chronic hypoxaemia Pneumothorax Respiratory failure Arrhythmias e.g. atrial fibrillation Infection Secondary polycythaemia
What is Extrinsic allergic alveolitis?
Intersitital inflammatory disease of the distal gas-exchanging parts of the lung caused by inhalation of organic dusts. Also known as hypersensitivity pnuemonitis
What causes extrinsic allergic alveolitis?
In sensitised individuals, repetitive inhalation of allergens provokes a hypersensitivity reaction which varies in intensity and clinical course depending on the antigen
In the acute phase, alveoli are infiltrated with acute inflammatory cells
Antigenic dusts include microbes and animal proteins
Early diagnosis and prompt allergen removal can halt and reverse disease progression, so prognosis can be good