Respiratory Emergencies

What is a pneumothorax?

Air in the pleural space → lung collapse.

What is the difference between primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax?

Primary: healthy patient; Secondary: underlying lung disease (e.g. COPD).

What causes lung collapse in pneumothorax?

Loss of negative pleural pressure → lung recoils inward.

What is a tension pneumothorax?

Air enters pleural space but cannot escape → pressure builds → cardiovascular collapse.

What are the key signs of tension pneumothorax?

Severe respiratory distress, Hypotension, Tachycardia, Tracheal deviation, ↑ JVP, ↓ GCS.

Why is tension pneumothorax life-threatening?

Compresses heart & vena cava → ↓ cardiac output → shock.

What is the basic management of pneumothorax?

Oxygen, Upright position, Reassurance, Transport, DO NOT WALK patient.

What is the treatment for tension pneumothorax?

Needle decompression (2nd ICS, mid-clavicular line).

What is a pulmonary embolism?

Blockage in pulmonary artery (usually from DVT).

What is the most common source of pulmonary embolism?

Deep vein thrombosis (legs/pelvis).

What is Virchow's triad?

Venous stasis, Vessel injury, Hypercoagulability.

What does pulmonary embolism cause in the lungs?

V/Q mismatch + dead space → hypoxia.

What are the classic symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

Sudden SOB, Pleuritic chest pain, Tachycardia, Hypoxia.

What are other signs of pulmonary embolism?

Haemoptysis, Syncope, DVT signs (swollen leg).

What does HAD CLOTS stand for?

Hormones, Age >50, DVT/PE history, Cough blood, Leg swelling, O₂ <95%, Tachycardia, Surgery/trauma.

What is the prehospital management of pulmonary embolism?

Oxygen, IV access (if unwell), Analgesia, Transport, DO NOT WALK patient.

What is the difference between URTI and LRTI?

URTI: above vocal cords; LRTI: below vocal cords.

What are common symptoms of URTI?

Sore throat, Runny nose, Fever, Malaise.

What is the management of URTI?

Symptomatic (analgesia, antipyretics).

What happens in bronchitis?

Inflammation of bronchi → mucus + bronchospasm.

What is a key symptom of bronchitis?

Productive cough.

What is pneumonia?

Infection of lung parenchyma → impaired gas exchange.

What causes hypoxia in pneumonia?

Alveoli filled with exudate → poor gas exchange.

What are the key signs of pneumonia?

Fever, SOB, Crackles, Productive cough, Hypoxia.

What is the prehospital management of pneumonia?

Oxygen, IV fluids (if septic), Antibiotics (if indicated), Transport.

What is a pleural effusion?

Fluid in pleural space.

What are the symptoms of pleural effusion?

SOB + pleuritic chest pain.

What is pleurisy?

Inflammation of pleura.

What is a classic symptom of pleurisy?

Sharp pain on inspiration.

What is ARDS?

Severe inflammatory lung injury → respiratory failure.

What are the key features of ARDS?

Hypoxia, ↓ lung compliance, "White lung" on imaging.

What is the prehospital management of ARDS?

Supportive care + rapid transport.

What are the causes of upper airway obstruction?

Foreign body, Anaphylaxis, Tumour, Infection.

What is a key sign of upper airway obstruction?

Stridor.

What is haemoptysis?

Coughing up blood.

What does BATTLE CAMP stand for?

Bronchial infection, Aspergilloma, Tumour, Tuberculosis, Lung abscess, Emboli, Coagulopathy, Autoimmune, Mitral stenosis, Pneumonia.

What is the prehospital management of haemoptysis?

Protect airway, Maintain circulation, Consider intubation if severe.