Respiratory pathology 3 '1' Flashcards
What is rhinitis ?
A common upper respiratory tract infection
What is the progression of rhinitis ?
Self limiting but dose occasionally develop into pneumonia, bronchiolitis, meningitis or septicaemia
What causes rhinitis ?
Usually a pathogen but can also be allergenic. Atopic genes causes increased likelihood to have rhinitis.
What is another name for allergenic rhinitis ?
Hay fever
What is otitis media ?
A commonviral infection of the ear.
What are the symptoms of otitis media ?
Bulging ear drum and erythema (rash) Sore ear Leaking ear Hearing difficulties Sleeping difficulties
What is the progression of otitis media like ?
Can have a secondary pneumococcus infection which will cause rupture of the ear drum
Usually self limiting
What is the treatment for otitis media ?
Analgesics (Pain killers)
Antibiotics (occasionally and if bacterial infection has been confirmed)
What are tonsillitis / pharyngitis ?
Very common upper respiratory tract infections
What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis ?
Red Swollen tonsils with white or yellow stuff on them A sore throat fever difficulties swallowing bad breath
What are the signs and symptoms of pharyngitis ?
Sneezing Running nose Headache Cough fatigue fever chills
What are may pharyngitis’s called ?
The common cold
What is tonsillitis/pharyngitis caused by ?
viral or bacterial infection
How is tonsillitis/pharyngitis diagnosed ?
Throat swab (Usually takes to long) Observations. Fever, low energy, feeling sick for ages, pallor around the mouth, scarlet fever all suggest bacterial infection.
Treatment for tonsillitis/pharyngitis
Viral - Nothing
Bacterial - 10 day course of penicillin
What is pertussis also known as ?
Whooping cough
Treatment for pertussis ?
Vaccination which reduces chance and severity
Signs and symptoms of pertussis
Coughing fits
Vomiting
Colour change
What is pertussis sometimes diagnosed as ?
Asthma
What is mesothelioma ?
malignancy of the pleura which is rare and aggressive
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma ?
poor outcome
Causes of mesothelioma
It is caused by asbestos fibres which reach the partial pleura and cause inflammation which provokes tumour formation. Because of this is most commonly found in men who are plumbers, electricians, shipbuilders, power plant workers and people who have worked with boilers and engines. The period between asbestos contact and tumour formation can be between 20 and 40 years and patient often tell you about friend and colleagues who have already dies from asbestos contact in the history.
What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma ?
chest pain, SOB and weight loss, clubbed nails and signs of pleural effusion
What investigations are used to help diagnose mesothelioma ?
CXR is useful in identifying a effusion, CT gives good imaging of the pleura. However tissue is required for diagnosis. This can be done using a blind pleural biopsy using a Abrams pleural needle or using a CT thorax and biopsy or pleural biopsy via thoracoscopy
Treatment for mesothelioma ?
Treat the effusion
Chemotherapy for some patients but its not very effective
Trial drugs
Palliative surgery
What should you encourage mesothelioma patients to investigate ?
Work related compensation
What is a Hydropneumothorax ?
Collection of both fluid and air.
What is a Haemothorax ?
Collection of blood in the pleural cavity