S11.1 Symptoms and signs of respiratory disease

Question 1

Describe how percussion differs in different lung conditions

Answer 1

Normal - resonant
Hyperresonant - pneumothorax
Dull - collapsed lung, pneumonia
Stoney dull - pleural effusion

Question 2

What are the six cardinal symptoms of respiratory disease?

Answer 2

Breathlessness (dyspnoea), Cough, Chest pain, Wheeze/stridor, Sputum, Haemoptysis

Question 3

What can cause instant breathlessness?

Answer 3

Pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax

Question 4

What can cause acute (min to hours) breathlessness?

Answer 4

Asthma or pneumonia

Question 5

What can cause gradual (days to weeks) breathlessness?

Answer 5

Lobar collapse or pleural effusion

Question 6

What can cause chronic (months to years) breathlessness?

Answer 6

COPD or bronchiectasis

Question 7

Outline the main signs and symptoms of pneumonia

Answer 7

CXR - consolidation 
Percussion - dull
Breath sounds - bronchial 
Vocal resonance - increased 
Extra sounds - crackles

Question 8

Outline the main signs and symptoms of pleural effusion

Answer 8

CXR - meniscus sign
Tracheal shift - opposite side
Percussion - stoney dull

Question 9

Outline the main signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax

Answer 9

CXR - lung collapsed edge
Tracheal shift - opposite side
Percussion - hyperresonant

Question 10

Outline the main signs and symptoms of lobar collapse

Answer 10

CXR - sail sign
Tracheal shift - towards
Percussion - dull

Question 11

Outline the main signs and symptoms of COPD

Answer 11

CXR - hyperinflated lungs
Chest movements - barrel shaped
Percussion - resonant
Extra sounds - wheeze