Respiratory Pathology Flashcards
(23 cards)
A paradoxical coughing spasms which occur on expiration and then followed by a sharp intake of breath is a sign of what?
Pertussis - i.e. whooping cough
How is whooping cough diagnosed?
Per-nasal swab
What are some differentials of acute respiratory distress in infants?
RSV Inhaled foreign body Bronchiolitis Whooping cough Croup Acute epiglottis
What is the causative organism of acute epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenza
What are the main viral causes on pneumonia in children?
RSV Influenza Parainfluenza Adenovirus Coxsackie virus
What are the main bacterial causes on pneumonia in children?
Haemophilus influenzae
Streptococcus pneumonia
Mycoplasma
In neonates what bacterial infection is most likely to cause pneumonia and other significant complications?
Group B bet-haemolytic streptococcus
In children with cystic fibrosis, what infectious agents are more likely to be the source of their pneumonia?
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Staphylococcus aureus
An infant <2 years old comes in coughing and coryzal with difficulty feeding, respiratory distress and apnoea. There are wheezes and crackles heard on auscultation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Bronchiolitis
What is the pathology of bronchiolitis?
This is a LRTI caused by obstruction of the lower airways (small bronchioles) which is usually self limiting and lasts about 7-10 days
Main cause is RSV
Other causes include adenovirus, parainfluenza and influenza.
What will be seen on a CXR of a child with bronchiolitis?
Hyperinflation with patchy consolidation
What is common respiratory condition in children, caused by parainfluenza which presents with coryzal symptoms, barking cough and stridor?
Croup a.k.a. acute laryngotracheobronchitis
How is croup managed?
Dexamethasone IV 0.15mg/kg
If in severe respiratory distress give adrenaline nebulised at 400 micrograms/kg
Why must a patient be monitored after receiving steroids for respiratory distress?
Rebound symptoms can occur
What illness can occur secondary to croup?
Bacterial tracheaitis
How is bacterial tracheaitis managed?
3rd generation cephalosporins (broad spectrum cover)
What are the most common causative organisms of bacterial tracheaitis
Staph Aureus Moroxella Catarrhalis Strep Pneumonia Haemophilus influenza
Define stridor:
A high pitched noise heard on inspiration, caused by partial obstruction of the airway (upper airway)
List some congenital causes of stridor:
Laryngomalacia
Web / stenosis
Double arch aorta a.k.a vascular ring
This illness is an acute cause of stridor which can be fatal due to airway closure. It presents with an acutely unwell child, drooling, fever, distressed and irritable with signs of a sore throat. NO COUGH
What is the diagnosis?
Acute epiglottitis
What might be seen on examination of acute epiglottitis?
Cherry red epiglottis
What is the management for acute epiglottitis?
Keep the child upright
DO NOT examine throat or cause any kind of distress
Call for an ENT or anaesthetist to intubate as loss of airway is highly likely
Treat with dexamethasone and antibiotics
What antibiotic therapy is used for haemophilus B?
Cefotaxime
