Respiratory Tract Infections & Pneumonia Flashcards
Respiratory infections are divided into 2 groups. What are they?
- Lower respiratory tract infection
2. Upper respiratory tract infection
In which part of the respiratory tract does pneumonia occur?
Lower.
What are some examples of upper respiratory tract infections?
- Common cold
- Tonsilitis
- Sinusitus
When are antibiotics given for an upper respiratory tract infection?
If the infection is severe, persistent, or is in an immunosuppressed patient.
What is the treatment for a upper respiratory tract infection?
- Rest
- Fluids
- Cough medicine
- Paracetamol for pain
What is the centor criteria used for?
It gives an indication if antibiotics should be given (i.e. if its bacterial or not)
What is tonsillar exudate?
White string like marks appearing on tonsils
What is tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy?
Sore lymph nodes
What is quinsy?
It is abscess around the tonsils, which can compromise the airways.
In which part of the lungs does pneumonia compromise?
The lung parenchyma
What is CAP (community acquired pneumonia)?
It is pneumonia acquired outside of a hospital setting.
It can be localised (only one part of the lung affected), or diffused
What are the risk factors of acquiring CAP?
- Children/elderly
- Co-morbidities, e.g. diabetes
- Lifestyle, e.g. smoking, alcohol, weight, etc
- Medications
What is the CURB-65 score?
It is a scoring system used to tell us whether the pneumonia can be treated in or out of hospital.
What does CURB-65 stand for?
C: Confusion U: Urea R: Respiratory rate B: Blood pressure 65: >65yrs of age
1 point is awarded for each one.
What should the CURB-65 score be to treat someone in hospital?
> 1
What is door to needle time (DNT), and what should the timing be in patients with pneumonia?
Door to needle time (DNT): it is the time from presentation with symptoms to the start of treatment.
It should be <1h
What is the most common organism which causes pneumonia?
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
What is hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP)?
It is pneumonia acquired at least 48h of hospital admission (most likely due to ventilation)
What is aspiration pneumonia?
It is pneumonia acquired from inhaled contents into the lower airways (e.g. food), causing lung injury & a bacterial infection.
In which patients is aspiration pneumonia most common in?
People who have an impaired gag, or cant swallow.
What are some major complications of pneumonia which can occur?
- Respiratory failure
2. Sepsis - leading to multi-organ failure
