Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
What are the three categories interstitial lung disease can be subdivided into?
Acute, Episodic and Chronic
What is sarcoidosis?
A granulomatous (type 4 hypersensitivity) disease of unknown cause (idiopathic). There is a genetic predisposition. Less common in smokers. Non-caseous, unlike TB.
Why would lymphoma be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis results in an inflammation of the lymph nodes therefore lymphoma as well as carcinoma should be considered.
What is the treatment for sarcoidosis for acute and chronic conditions respectively?
1) Acute- self-limiting condition- usually no treatment, steroid if vital organ is affected.
2) Chronic- Oral steroids usually needed, if patient is on treatment for a prolonged period of time (many months/years) immunosuppressing drug should be introduced to reduce steroid dose, minimising negative steroid side effects.
What sign of sarcoidosis may be seen on examination of the eye?
Uveitis (looks bloodshot as fuck)
What causes farmers lung and what type of condition is this?
Inhalation of spores from mouldy hay. It is a type III hypersensitivity reaction to antigen, a form of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis)
What is the treatment for an acute episode of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Oxygen, steroid and antigen avoidance (who the fuck even wants pigeons anyway? they are cunts)
What is the treatment for chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Remove antigen exposure (genuinely hate pigeons, the amount of times I’ve just wanted to stand on one when they flap about in front of me, pricks. Was the pulmonary fibrosis worth it mate? Doubt it.) Oral steroids if breathless or low gas transfer.
How is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis caused?
Hahaahahahah patter at an all-time low. It is the most common interstitial lung disease though.
What treatment would be considered for a young patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which would be unlikely for an older patient?
Lung transplant.
