Respiratory Risk Factors And Complications

Question 1

Risk factors for asthma?

Answer 1

Family history of asthma/atopy
Atopic history (eczema, vasculitis, hay fever etc)

Question 2

What are the complications of pneumonia?

Answer 2

Sepsis
Pleural effusion
Empyema (collection of pus in the pleural space)
Lung abscess
Metastatic infection
Pulmonary VTE
Atelactasis (lung collapse) [lung is no longer providing tension for muscles and compressive forces on that side affected, so there is volume loss]

Question 3

What are the risk factors for hospital acquired pneumonia?

Answer 3

ICU stay - mechanical ventilation
Prolonged hospital stay
Severe underlying illness/multiple comorbidities
Underlying respiratory disease (COPD, asthma etc)
Abdominal surgery - vomiting and aspiration