Respiratory infections Flashcards
What causes pertussis?
Bordetella pertussis, a bacteria
What is the other name for pertussis?
100-day cough
What lab abnormality is common with pertussis?
High WBC with lymphocyte predominance
bacterial infection that acts like a virus
How to treat pertussis in the ED?
Give O2 if needed
Avoid suctioning when possible, or anything else that can trigger a coughing episode
Give a macrolide (azithro or erythro)
Treat family contacts as well
Admit younger kids (for sure <6 months, consider for < 1yr)
How does antibiotic treatment change the course of pertussis?
It doesn’t change the course, but does decrease contagiousness
Why does the cough last even after the bug is killed with antibiotic in pertussis?
Thought to be a toxin mediated process
Which kids with pneumonia should be admitted?
Respiratory distress and O2 requirement
Infants less than 6 months with suspected bacterial PNA
Most kids don’t need admission
Do kids with pneumonia need blood cultures?
Not if they are non-toxic, fully immunized, and otherwise healthy kids
What diagnostic tests should be done in pediatric pneumonia?
Viral testing, including for the flu
Blood work in the toxic-appearing
Is a CXR needed to diagnose PNA?
Technically, it is not required and can be diagnosed clinically if the patient is otherwise well-enough to go home
Which kids with pneumonia may not need antibiotics?
Pre-school aged kids as pneumonia is usually viral
What is first-line treatment for pneumonia in kids?
Treatment duration?
Amoxicillin (in pre-k age)
Macrolides used in older kids as mycoplasma becomes more common
10 day course is most common, although kids will feel better in 1-2 days and a shorter course may be just as effective
