resp. diseases (all)

Question 1

acute bronchitis

Answer 1

Ax: a bacterial infection usually caused by strep. pneumonia or H. influenza, is normally a viral infection though. Seen in healthy individuals but more common in smokers or PMH of COPD

S+Sx: starts as an irritating, unproductive cough but progresses into SOB, wheeze, productive cough (green/yellow), tightness behind the chest, pain retrosternally.
Mild fever, leucocytosis.
Crackles and cyanosis can also be present if quite bad - ankle oedema (cor pulmonale) if very severe

Ix: history, general examination, (CXR, ABGs if hospitalised)

Mx: will normally resolve by itself in 4-8 days but if not then; antibiotics - amoxicillin/doxycyline, bronchodilators, sometimes a short course of corticosteroids

*acute bronchitis is normally preceded by an upper resp. tract infection