Showing posts with label influeza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label influeza. Show all posts
Friday, September 19, 2008
A Simple Guide to Croup
A Simple Guide to Croup
-----------------------------------
What is Croup?
---------------------------
Croup is an acute viral disease of the upper and lower respiratory tract associated with inspiratory stridor ( whistling obstructive sound during inhalation) and respiratory distress in severe cases.
It typically affects infants and children below 6 years old.
It causes a typically barking type of cough and hoarseness of the voice due to obstruction at the vocal box.
What are the causes of Croup?
----------------------------------------
Viral infections:
--------------------
1.parainfluenza virus, primarily types 1 and 2
2.Other viral infections such as adenorhinovirnese, enterovirus and mycoplasma pneumoniae
Genetic predisposition:
------------------------
Some families are more prone than others to get the disease.
It is also more common in males than females.
What are Signs and symptoms of Croup?
---------------------------------------------
Symptoms:
1.harsh barking cough
2.sneeze
3.inspiratory stridor (a high-pitched whistling sound during inspiration),
4.nausea and vomiting
5.fever.
6.Hoarseness -usually present
7.respiratory distress due to airway obstruction
8.lethargy
Signs:
1.Reduced breath sounds - air movement is reduced in the lungs
2.Prolonged inspiration on auscultation with laryngeal stridor
3.Chest retraction
4.Cyanosis(blue color) of the lips and fingers if not enough oxygen is entering.
This will considered as a medical emergency.
How is the diagnosis of Croup made?
------------------------------------------
1.Symptoms and signs of fever, laryngeal stridor and barking cough
2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture)
5.frontal X-ray of the C-spine
the presence of the the steeple sign confirms the diagnosis of croup.
What are the complications of Croup?
-----------------------------------------------
1.Respiratory distress
2.Bacterial tracheitis
What is the treatment of Croup?
------------------------------------
1.Rest, fluids and oxygen
2.Humidifiers and steam inhalations
3.Corticosteroids especially dexamethasone are the most commonly used agent as it reduces inflammation
4.Antibiotics are not useful because the cause is viral. If there is bacterial tracheitis, antibiotics may be needed
5.Bronchodilators such as theophylline, epinephrine, ventolin, bricanyl are all helpful to open the airways
6.Intubation and tracheostomy may be needed in severe cases.
What is the prognosis of Croup ?
------------------------------------------
This depends on the severity and type of infection.
Most cases, if treated early and correctly, recovered completely with return of normal lung function within 7 days.
What are the Preventive measures taken for Croup ?
--------------------------------------------------------
Vaccination against the influenza virus may help.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Simple Guide to Bronchitis
A Simple Guide to Bronchitis
-----------------------------------
What is Bronchitis?
---------------------------
Bronchitis is an acute disease which causes inflammation and infection of the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs.
The mucous membranes of the bronchi of the lungs becomes inflamed from bacterial or viral infection or irritated by fumes and dust in the air resulting in swelling of the bronchial mucosa with excess mucous discharge causing narrowing of the air passages.
Because of the congestion of the brochi there is difficulty in breathing and insufficient oxygen to the body thus posing a danger to the patient's life .
What are the causes of Bronchitis?
----------------------------------------
Bacterial Infections:
----------------------------
1.Gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus Bronchitise and Staphphylococcus may be serious and fatal in some cases.
2.Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria(including tuberculosis), Legionaire's Disease,chlamydia
Viral infections:
--------------------
Influenza, arbovirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) virus, coxsackie virus
Fungal infections:
-----------------------
Cryptococcus neoformans
Non-infectious:
------------------
1.chemicals such as fumes can damage the lungs and cause Bronchitis
2.Othostatic Bronchitis occurs in people who are bedridden and are unable to get rid of the fluids accumulated in their lungs
3.Aspiration Bronchitis occurs with saliva or fluids in the throat become sucked into the windpipe and the lungs.
This occurs in comatose patients and people having seizures or stroke.
What are Signs and symptoms of Bronchitis?
---------------------------------------------
Symptoms:
1.cold or runny nose is usually the first symptom
2.Fever may be present
3.cough initially dry, followed by productive purulent sputum which can yellow, green or bloody
4.Breathlessness due to airway obstruction
5.chest pain especially the sides of the chest due to coughing and fever
6.Myalgia (bodyaches) and headache which may be related to the fever
Signs:
1.Moist sounds and wheezing on auscultation with sthetoscope due to narrowing of the airways(bronchi)
2.rhonchi or wheezing sounds due to narrowing of the airways from pressure in the congested lungs
3.Reduced breath sounds - air movement is reduced in the lungs
4.Hyporesonance on percussion of the lungs
5.Cyanosis(blue color) of the lips and fingers if not enough oxygen is entering.
This will considered as a medical emergency.
Children and babies with Bronchitis may not have signs of a chest infection.
They are however quite ill, with fever and lethargy.
How is the diagnosis of Bronchitis made?
------------------------------------------
1.Symptoms and signs of fever, breathless and productive cough
2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture)
3.Sputum culture to determine the type of micro-organism
4.Chest X-rays to establish site and character of the bronchial infection
5.CT or MRI of the lungs may be done if required especailly if there is suspicion of lung cancer.
What are the complications of Bronchitis?
-----------------------------------------------
1.Pneumonia
2.adult respiratory distress syndrome
3.Emphysema
What is the treatment of Bronchitis?
------------------------------------
1.Rest, fluids and oxygen
2.Bronchidilators such as aminophylline, ventolin, bricanyl
3.Antibiotics depending on the organism found:
a.cephalosporin, penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, for most streptococci, staphalococci, hemophilus
b.cephalosporins, gentamycin for pseudomonas
c.Tetracycline or erythromycin for mycoplasma and chlamydia
d.Erythromycin and rifampicin for Legionaire's disease.
3.Antivirals such as Tamiflu for Influeza infection
Acyclovir may be given for herpes virus infection
4.High dosages of antifungals may be given for Fungal Bronchitis for a prolonged period of time
5.corticosteroids is useful to reduce complications
6.Humidifiers and steam inhalations
5.cough mixtures and mucolytic agents such as bisolvon
What is the prognosis of Bronchitis ?
------------------------------------------
This depends on the severity and type of infection.
Most cases if treated early and correctly recovered completely with return of normal lung function.
In elderly and debilitated patients, breathing can be a problem and recurrence can occur.
What are the Preventive measures taken for Bronchitis ?
--------------------------------------------------------
1.Avoid smoking and dusty environment.
2.Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and exercise.
3.Vaccination against the influenza virus may help.
-----------------------------------
What is Bronchitis?
---------------------------
Bronchitis is an acute disease which causes inflammation and infection of the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs.
The mucous membranes of the bronchi of the lungs becomes inflamed from bacterial or viral infection or irritated by fumes and dust in the air resulting in swelling of the bronchial mucosa with excess mucous discharge causing narrowing of the air passages.
Because of the congestion of the brochi there is difficulty in breathing and insufficient oxygen to the body thus posing a danger to the patient's life .
What are the causes of Bronchitis?
----------------------------------------
Bacterial Infections:
----------------------------
1.Gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus Bronchitise and Staphphylococcus may be serious and fatal in some cases.
2.Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria(including tuberculosis), Legionaire's Disease,chlamydia
Viral infections:
--------------------
Influenza, arbovirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) virus, coxsackie virus
Fungal infections:
-----------------------
Cryptococcus neoformans
Non-infectious:
------------------
1.chemicals such as fumes can damage the lungs and cause Bronchitis
2.Othostatic Bronchitis occurs in people who are bedridden and are unable to get rid of the fluids accumulated in their lungs
3.Aspiration Bronchitis occurs with saliva or fluids in the throat become sucked into the windpipe and the lungs.
This occurs in comatose patients and people having seizures or stroke.
What are Signs and symptoms of Bronchitis?
---------------------------------------------
Symptoms:
1.cold or runny nose is usually the first symptom
2.Fever may be present
3.cough initially dry, followed by productive purulent sputum which can yellow, green or bloody
4.Breathlessness due to airway obstruction
5.chest pain especially the sides of the chest due to coughing and fever
6.Myalgia (bodyaches) and headache which may be related to the fever
Signs:
1.Moist sounds and wheezing on auscultation with sthetoscope due to narrowing of the airways(bronchi)
2.rhonchi or wheezing sounds due to narrowing of the airways from pressure in the congested lungs
3.Reduced breath sounds - air movement is reduced in the lungs
4.Hyporesonance on percussion of the lungs
5.Cyanosis(blue color) of the lips and fingers if not enough oxygen is entering.
This will considered as a medical emergency.
Children and babies with Bronchitis may not have signs of a chest infection.
They are however quite ill, with fever and lethargy.
How is the diagnosis of Bronchitis made?
------------------------------------------
1.Symptoms and signs of fever, breathless and productive cough
2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture)
3.Sputum culture to determine the type of micro-organism
4.Chest X-rays to establish site and character of the bronchial infection
5.CT or MRI of the lungs may be done if required especailly if there is suspicion of lung cancer.
What are the complications of Bronchitis?
-----------------------------------------------
1.Pneumonia
2.adult respiratory distress syndrome
3.Emphysema
What is the treatment of Bronchitis?
------------------------------------
1.Rest, fluids and oxygen
2.Bronchidilators such as aminophylline, ventolin, bricanyl
3.Antibiotics depending on the organism found:
a.cephalosporin, penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, for most streptococci, staphalococci, hemophilus
b.cephalosporins, gentamycin for pseudomonas
c.Tetracycline or erythromycin for mycoplasma and chlamydia
d.Erythromycin and rifampicin for Legionaire's disease.
3.Antivirals such as Tamiflu for Influeza infection
Acyclovir may be given for herpes virus infection
4.High dosages of antifungals may be given for Fungal Bronchitis for a prolonged period of time
5.corticosteroids is useful to reduce complications
6.Humidifiers and steam inhalations
5.cough mixtures and mucolytic agents such as bisolvon
What is the prognosis of Bronchitis ?
------------------------------------------
This depends on the severity and type of infection.
Most cases if treated early and correctly recovered completely with return of normal lung function.
In elderly and debilitated patients, breathing can be a problem and recurrence can occur.
What are the Preventive measures taken for Bronchitis ?
--------------------------------------------------------
1.Avoid smoking and dusty environment.
2.Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and exercise.
3.Vaccination against the influenza virus may help.
Monday, August 18, 2008
A Simple Guide to Pneumonia
A Simple Guide to Pneumonia
-----------------------------------
What is Pneumonia?
---------------------------
Pneumonia is a serious medical disease which causes inflammation and infection of the lung tissues of one or both lungs.
The alveoli of the lungs are filled with exudates and white blood cells sent by the body to contain the infection.
Because of the congestion of the lungs there is difficulty in breathing and insufficient oxygen to the body thus posing a danger to the patient's life .
It is one of the top causes of death in the world.
What are the causes of Pneumonia?
----------------------------------------
Bacterial Infections:
----------------------------
1.Gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus may be serious and fatal in some cases.
2.Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria(including tuberculosis), Legionaire's Disease,chlamydia
Mycobacterium tuberculosis pneumonia are more common in developing countries and in people whose immune systems are impaired(e.g. AIDS) and are preceded by active tuberculosis infections elsewhere.
Viral infections:
--------------------
Influenza, arbovirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) virus, coxsackie virus
Fungal infections:
-----------------------
Cryptococcus neoformans
Non-infectious:
------------------
1.chemicals such as asbestos can damage the lungs and cause pneumonia
2.Othostatic pneumonia occurs in people who are bedridden and are unable to get rid of the fluids accumulated in their lungs
3.Aspiration pneumonia occurs with saliva or fluids in the throat become sucked into the windpipe and the lungs.
This occurs in comatose patients and people having seizures or stroke.
What are Signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
---------------------------------------------
Symptoms:
1.cold or runny nose is usually the first symptom
2.Fever is usually high
3.cough with productive purulent sputum which can yellow, green or bloody
4.Breathlessness due to congestion of the lungs
5.chest pain especially the sides of the chest due to coughing and fever
6.Myalgia (bodyaches) and headache which may be related to the fever
7.abdominal discomfort
8.lethargy especially in small children
Signs:
1.creptitation sounds on auscultation with stethoscope due to large amount of phlegm in the alveoli of the lungs
2.rhonchi or wheezing sounds due to narrowing of the airways from pressure in the congested lungs
3.Reduced breath sounds - air movement is reduced in the lungs
4.Hyporesonance on percussion of the lungs
5.Cyanosis(blue color) of the lips and fingers if not enough oxygen is entering.
This will considered as a medical emergency.
Children and babies with pneumonia may not have signs of a chest infection.
They are however quite ill, with fever and lethargy.
Elderly people also do not have much symptoms except for fever and breathlessness
How is the diagnosis of Pneumonia made?
------------------------------------------
1.Symptoms and signs of fever, breathless and productive cough
2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture) including viral and legionaire's disease
3.Sputum culture to determine the type of micro-organism
4.Chest X-rays to establish site and character of the lung infection
5.Pleural tap may be necessary if there is pleural effusion. The pleural aspirate is then sent for culture and microscopic examination.
6.CT or MRI of the lungs may be done if required especailly if there is suspicion of lung cancer.
What are the complications of Pneumonia?
-----------------------------------------------
1.Pleural effusion
2.septic shock,
3.adult respiratory distress syndrome
4.seizures also more in children
5.Emphysema
6.Pericarditis
What is the treatment of pneumonia?
------------------------------------
1.Hospitalization should be immediate as pneumonia can be a life threatening condition.
2.Antibiotics depending on the organism found:
a.cephalosporin, penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, for most streptococci, staphalococci, hemophilus
b.cephalosporins, gentamycin for pseudomonas
c.Tetracycline or erythromycin for mycoplasma and chlamydia
d.Erythromycin and rifampicin for Legionaire's disease.
3.Antivirals such as Tamiflu for Influenza infection
Acyclovir may be given for herpes virus infection
4.High dosages of anti-fungals may be given for Fungal pneumonia for a prolonged period of time
3.corticosteroids is useful to reduce complications
4.High-flow oxygen
5.intravenous fluids
What is the prognosis of pneumonia ?
------------------------------------------
This depends on the severity and type of infection.
Most cases if treated early and correctly recovered completely.
The elderly, babies and bedridden has a higher mortality.
What are the Preventive measures taken for pneumonia ?
--------------------------------------------------------
Vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae in children and adults has reduced the incidence of this form of pneumonia.
Pneumococcal vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae has been given to newborns to prevent pneumonia.
Vaccinations are recommended in:
Adults age 65 or older
Patient over two years of age
1. with diseased lungs, heart, liver, or kidneys
2. health problems like diabetes, alcoholism, AIDS
3. taking any medications or therapy that can affect the body's immune system
e.g chemotherapy
-----------------------------------
What is Pneumonia?
---------------------------
Pneumonia is a serious medical disease which causes inflammation and infection of the lung tissues of one or both lungs.
The alveoli of the lungs are filled with exudates and white blood cells sent by the body to contain the infection.
Because of the congestion of the lungs there is difficulty in breathing and insufficient oxygen to the body thus posing a danger to the patient's life .
It is one of the top causes of death in the world.
What are the causes of Pneumonia?
----------------------------------------
Bacterial Infections:
----------------------------
1.Gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus may be serious and fatal in some cases.
2.Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria(including tuberculosis), Legionaire's Disease,chlamydia
Mycobacterium tuberculosis pneumonia are more common in developing countries and in people whose immune systems are impaired(e.g. AIDS) and are preceded by active tuberculosis infections elsewhere.
Viral infections:
--------------------
Influenza, arbovirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) virus, coxsackie virus
Fungal infections:
-----------------------
Cryptococcus neoformans
Non-infectious:
------------------
1.chemicals such as asbestos can damage the lungs and cause pneumonia
2.Othostatic pneumonia occurs in people who are bedridden and are unable to get rid of the fluids accumulated in their lungs
3.Aspiration pneumonia occurs with saliva or fluids in the throat become sucked into the windpipe and the lungs.
This occurs in comatose patients and people having seizures or stroke.
What are Signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
---------------------------------------------
Symptoms:
1.cold or runny nose is usually the first symptom
2.Fever is usually high
3.cough with productive purulent sputum which can yellow, green or bloody
4.Breathlessness due to congestion of the lungs
5.chest pain especially the sides of the chest due to coughing and fever
6.Myalgia (bodyaches) and headache which may be related to the fever
7.abdominal discomfort
8.lethargy especially in small children
Signs:
1.creptitation sounds on auscultation with stethoscope due to large amount of phlegm in the alveoli of the lungs
2.rhonchi or wheezing sounds due to narrowing of the airways from pressure in the congested lungs
3.Reduced breath sounds - air movement is reduced in the lungs
4.Hyporesonance on percussion of the lungs
5.Cyanosis(blue color) of the lips and fingers if not enough oxygen is entering.
This will considered as a medical emergency.
Children and babies with pneumonia may not have signs of a chest infection.
They are however quite ill, with fever and lethargy.
Elderly people also do not have much symptoms except for fever and breathlessness
How is the diagnosis of Pneumonia made?
------------------------------------------
1.Symptoms and signs of fever, breathless and productive cough
2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture) including viral and legionaire's disease
3.Sputum culture to determine the type of micro-organism
4.Chest X-rays to establish site and character of the lung infection
5.Pleural tap may be necessary if there is pleural effusion. The pleural aspirate is then sent for culture and microscopic examination.
6.CT or MRI of the lungs may be done if required especailly if there is suspicion of lung cancer.
What are the complications of Pneumonia?
-----------------------------------------------
1.Pleural effusion
2.septic shock,
3.adult respiratory distress syndrome
4.seizures also more in children
5.Emphysema
6.Pericarditis
What is the treatment of pneumonia?
------------------------------------
1.Hospitalization should be immediate as pneumonia can be a life threatening condition.
2.Antibiotics depending on the organism found:
a.cephalosporin, penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, for most streptococci, staphalococci, hemophilus
b.cephalosporins, gentamycin for pseudomonas
c.Tetracycline or erythromycin for mycoplasma and chlamydia
d.Erythromycin and rifampicin for Legionaire's disease.
3.Antivirals such as Tamiflu for Influenza infection
Acyclovir may be given for herpes virus infection
4.High dosages of anti-fungals may be given for Fungal pneumonia for a prolonged period of time
3.corticosteroids is useful to reduce complications
4.High-flow oxygen
5.intravenous fluids
What is the prognosis of pneumonia ?
------------------------------------------
This depends on the severity and type of infection.
Most cases if treated early and correctly recovered completely.
The elderly, babies and bedridden has a higher mortality.
What are the Preventive measures taken for pneumonia ?
--------------------------------------------------------
Vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae in children and adults has reduced the incidence of this form of pneumonia.
Pneumococcal vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae has been given to newborns to prevent pneumonia.
Vaccinations are recommended in:
Adults age 65 or older
Patient over two years of age
1. with diseased lungs, heart, liver, or kidneys
2. health problems like diabetes, alcoholism, AIDS
3. taking any medications or therapy that can affect the body's immune system
e.g chemotherapy
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