RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

Question 1

Which pathogen commonly causes
Epiglottitis?

Answer 1

• Haemophilus influenzae

Question 2

How do you treat Epiglottitis?

Answer 2

1. Cefotaxime (or
   Ceftriazoxone)
   - If history of immediate hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin or to cephalosporin, give Chloramphenicol

Question 3

When would you treat
Acute exacerbations of Chronic bronchitis?

Answer 3

Treat if there is an increase in sputum purulence
accompanied by an increase in sputum volume or increase in dyspnoea (shortness of breath)

Question 4

How do you treat
acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis?

Answer 4

1. Amoxicillin (or Ampicillin)
   OR
2. Tetracycline
   Both for 5 days (longer if serious illness)

Question 5

How resistant are the organisms that cause Chronic bronchitis to the first line treatments?

Answer 5

• Some pneumoccoci and
  Haemophilus influenzae strains
  are tetracycline-resistant
• Approximately 20% of
  Haemophilus influenzae strains
  are amoxicillin-resistant

Question 6

What is an alternative treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (especially if patient is penicillin allergic or has resistance)?

Answer 6

1. Clarithromycin (or
   Azithromycin, or Erythromycin)
   - For 5 days (longer it severely ill)