Respiratory Medicine in GP setting Flashcards
What are the main respiratory presenting symptoms in a GP setting?
Cough
Dyspnoea
Wheeze
Chest tightness
Chest pain
Haemoptysis
Define Dyspnoea.
Difficult or laboured breathing
List some common URTI’s seen in GP.
Sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis.
Do people w URTI’s usually need antibitocis?
No
When might you give antibiotics?
If URTI’s not settling or getting worse
What do GP’s provide to patients w URTI’s?
Reassurance and advice/info about illness
What are some of the common presenting symptoms of LRTi’s in GP settings?
Cough, dyspnoea, feel unwell, appetite reduced, low energy, haemoptysis but not common.
What is the treatment for LRTI’s?
Send Sputum sample, treat with antibiotics +/- admission,
What is the GP version of CURB 65?
CRB 65 as don’t have access to same day bloods.
What can GP’s provide patients who have LRTI’s with?
Follow up recovery, sick lines if required, general support around convalescence
What role does a GP play in terms of asthma?
Diagnosis, optimising treatment, managing exacerbations, admitting if required, following up and further optimisation of treatment.
What are some triggers of acute asthma?
Viral infection, allergy
What do patient’s have in order to have acute asthma?
Increase in asthmatic symptoms or decrease in PEF or both.
What do patients have in order to be considered to have an acute exacerbation of COPD?
Increase in volume or purulence of sputum, increased shortness of breath.
Why is lung disease often diagnosed late?
Variable presentation
List some of the symptoms of lung cancer.
Cough, haemoptysis, fatigue, malaise, weight loss, hoarseness, nausea, chest pain/discomfort
Chest x-rays are common in suspected lung cancer
When are you most likely to send away for a chest x-ray of a patient?
Smoker
Family history of lung cancer
Why do we get bronchiectasis?
Airways become dilated
Accumulation of mucus which can lead to infection
What are the presenting symptoms for interstitial lung disease?
Cough, often dry, and dyspnoea. Crackles on examination.
When may a patient with interstitial lung disease be referred to secondary care?
For HRCT and management.
How can exacerbations of interstitial lung disease be treated?
Steroids
What investigations may be carried out in someone with interstitial lung disease?
Bloods
CXR
What do you do in someone who you suspect asthma in?
6 week trial with inhaled corticosteroid, monitor PEF and symptoms.
Advise smoking cessation
