6.2 Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and Pneumonia Flashcards
Name 2 common bacteria found in the upper respiratory tract?
Viridans streptococci
Neisseria spp.
What defences does the respiratory tract have against infections?
Mucociliary clearance mechanisms
Coughing
Sneezing
Immune system present in tonsils and pharynx
List 3 things which may compromise the respiratory tract’s defences against disease?
Abnormal ciliary function- smoking
Abnormal mucous production- cystic fibrosis
Defects in host immunity- HIV
Poor swallow- muscle weakness
What type of pathogen are upper respiratory tract infections caused by?
Viruses
What is pneumonia?
Inflammation of the lung alveoli
How will pneumonia present?
Fever
Cough
Pleuritic chest pain
Short of breath
Where can pneumonia be found?
Lobes of the lung or bronchioles
What are some clinical signs of pneumonia?
Cyanosis
Tachycardia
Tachypnoea
How can pneumonia be prevented?
Stop smoking
Flu vaccine
Prophylaxis- oral penicillin or oral erythromycin
What investigations can be done to confirm pneumonia?
ABG Urea and electrolytes Nose and throat swab Full blood count Blood culture Urine culture Chest xray
What are the risk factors of getting pneumonia?
Travel
Animal contact
Immunocompromised
Lung disease
How is pneumonia managed?
CURB65 Confusion Urea >7mmol/l Respiratory rate >30 Blood pressure
What is the likely cause of community acquired pneumonia?
S. pneumoniae
H. influenzae
How is community acquired pneumonia treated?
Mild to moderate- amoxicillin or erythromycin
Moderate to severe- co-amoxiclav and clarithromycin
What is the likely cause of hospital acquired pneumonia?
Pseudomonas spp
S. aureus
H. influenzae
