Category Archives: Respiratory

COPD algorithm

Posted on September 8, 2017 by

This is our practice algorithm for COPD treatment: Treat intermittent symptoms with a SABA. If more severe, differentiate between low-risk and high-risk patients. Low-risk patients are those with: FEV1 >50% <2 exacerbations/yr For low-risk patients: First-line treatment: LAMA If symptoms … Continue reading →

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Community acquired pneumonia in children

Posted on March 10, 2017 by

Signs of severity Temperature 38.5 or greater RR >70 in infants or >50 in older children Moderate to severe recession in infants Severe dyspnoea in children Nasal flaring Grunting Intermittent apnoea in infants Sats <95% (this was what the BMJ … Continue reading →

Posted in Credits 2017, Paediatrics, Respiratory | Leave a comment

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction

Posted on October 9, 2016 by

The cause of EILO is unclear, but it may be due to laryngeal hypersensitivity. It’s most common in athletic females under 20. Symptoms include shortness of breath, throat discomfort, chest tightness, and wheeze developing during intense exercise. EILO, for obvious … Continue reading →

Posted in Credits 2016, ENT, Respiratory | Leave a comment

Occupational asthma

Posted on August 1, 2016 by

Occupational asthma is caused by an immune reaction to specific agents that are inhaled in the workplace. There are around 400 causative agents, although a small number of these cause most cases. It is different from work-aggravated asthma. Frequently affected … Continue reading →

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Pulmonary fibrosis

Posted on January 18, 2016 by

Causes include: chemical or dust inflammation idiopathic (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis) local fibrosis from infection or infarction various congenital syndromes – neurofibromatosis, Gaucher’s disease, Niemann-Pick disease, tuberous sclerosis. various acquired inflammatory conditions – RA, AS, Sjogren’s, systemic … Continue reading →

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Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adults

Posted on January 17, 2016 by

This is transient constriction of the lower airways induced by vigorous exercise, and may or may not be associated by asthma. It is no longer referred to as ‘exercise-induced asthma’. It is caused by dehydration of the respiratory mucosa, due … Continue reading →

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Chronic refractory cough

Posted on January 16, 2016 by

Known by other names (chronic idiopathic cough, unexplained chronic cough), it is defined as: A cough that persists despite specialist guideline treatment. This of course means it is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is either one form of cough hypersensitivity … Continue reading →

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