Respiratory Case Study 1.0

What are the key clinical differences between chronic bronchitis and emphsema:
Chronic Bronchitis -
Emphysema -

Persistent productive cough, excess sputum and airway inflammation.
Progressive dyspnoea, cough may be less prominent

What does an acute exacerbation of COPD look like

Increased breathlessness, cough, sputum volume, and wheezing

What features raise suspision of lung cancer

Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue
Increased cough severity
New or worsening dyspnoea

Why is haemoptysis important when investigating a chronic cough i.e what can it indicate

Lung cancer
Brochiectasis
Respiratory infections
Pulmonary embolism

What can chest pain indicate, especially in smokers.

Lung cancer
Pneumonia or pleurisy
Pulmonary embolism
Pneumothorax

How would acute bronchitis flaire present in a pt with chronic bronchitis

Increase in cough
Change in sputum production and colour
Possible mild fever, fatigue and malaise.

What exmination findings may support emphysema

Reduced breath sounds due to hyperinflation and reduced airflow.
Hyperresonance on chest percussion

What examination findings may support chronic bronchitis

Wheeze due to narrowed airways
Rhonchi caused by secretions

What is rhonchi

Continuous, low-pitched, rattling breath sounds as air flows through mucus