Respiratory Pathologies Flashcards
What is pneumonia?
An inflammation of the lungs due to infection
What happens in pneumonia?
The alveoli and bronchioles become inflamed and fill with fluid (usually purulent)
What is pneumonia caused by?
(3)
Bacteria
Virus
Or fungi
What is the initial imaging for pneumonia?
Chest x-ray
What is used for further investigation into pneumonia?
CT
What type of pneumonia does this show?
Aspiration pneumonia
What causes aspiration pneumonia?
Food is swallowed and goes to the lung, causing an infection. It mainly affects elderly patients
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
(10)
Fever
Sweating and shivering
Cough- productive or dry
Chest pain
Muscle pain
Confusion
Breathing can be rapid and shallow
Shortness of breath
Feeling generally unwell
Loss of appetite
What is the treatment for pneumonia?
It depends on the type of pneumonia
What is the treatment for bacterial pneumonia?
Antibiotics
What is the treatment for viral pneumonia?
Antiviral medication
What is the treatment for fungal pneumonia?
Antifungal medicienes
What are some general treatments for pneumonia?
(6)
Fever control
Fluids
Rest
Pain medication
Cough relief
Oxygen therapy
What is pleural emphyema?
It’s a collection of pus in the pleural cavity
What are the features of pleural empyema?
(4)
It may contain gas locules
It’s unilateral
It can cause pneumonia complication or perforated oesophagus
The patient presents with fever, leucocytosis and raised inflammatory markers
Was a contrast used during this CT scan?
How do we know?
No, because the density of the blood vessels are similar to the density of the bones
What is pleural effusion?
An accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
What are common causes of pleural effusion?
(2)
Heart failure
Malignancy
What does this show?
Pleural effusion
What is the initial imaging for a pleural effusion?
Chest x-ray
What type of chest imaging is done to investigate pleural effusion?
