Condition Lookup

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Pneumonia

Symptoms:
fever; cough (productive or non-productive); chest pain; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; fatigue; increased respiratory rate; sputum production (possibly purulent or bloody)

Root Cause:
A type of pneumonia acquired during hospitalization or after at least 48 hours of hospital admission, caused by pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (e.g., lung auscultation for abnormal sounds). Chest X-ray or CT scan (to identify lung infiltrates). Blood cultures and sputum cultures (to isolate the causative microorganism). Bronchoscopy (if necessary, to obtain samples from the lungs directly). Complete blood count (CBC) and other inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, procalcitonin).

Treatment:
Empiric antibiotic therapy (adjusted based on culture results and sensitivities). Ventilatory support if needed (e.g., oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation). Supportive care (hydration, nutrition). Possible drainage of pleural effusions if present.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Piperacillin-tazobactam, Meropenem , Vancomycin , Levofloxacin , and Cefepime (antibiotics used to treat resistant bacterial infections in hospital settings). Analgesics/Antipyretics - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (used to manage fever and discomfort). Prevalence - HAP is one of the leading causes of death in hospitals. It occurs in approximately 0.5-1% of hospitalized patients. The incidence is higher in intensive care units (ICUs).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged hospital stay. Mechanical ventilation. Immunocompromised states (e.g., chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS). Previous antibiotic use (leading to resistance). Age (elderly patients are more vulnerable). Underlying chronic diseases (e.g., COPD, diabetes).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mortality rates can be high, especially in patients with severe comorbidities or those requiring mechanical ventilation. Early identification and targeted antibiotic therapy improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure. Sepsis and septic shock. Pleural effusion and empyema (infection in the pleural space). Increased hospital stay and extended recovery time.

Latent TB

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Tuberculosis (TB)

Symptoms:
no symptoms; no signs of active disease

Root Cause:
The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis remain dormant in the body without causing active disease, but can potentially become active if the immune system weakens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test. Chest X-rays may be normal, and sputum tests typically show no active infection.

Treatment:
Latent TB is typically treated with antibiotics to prevent progression to active TB, most commonly with a 3-9 month course of isoniazid or rifampin.

Medications:
Medications prescribed may include Isoniazid (a bactericidal antibiotic), classified as an antimycobacterial medication, or Rifampin (an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis), classified as an antitubercular drug.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Latent TB is more common than active TB; it is estimated that around 25% of the global population has latent TB.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with someone with active TB, immunocompromised states (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy), living in areas with high TB rates, and recent migration from high-burden TB areas.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, latent TB typically remains dormant, and the progression to active TB can be prevented in most cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
If left untreated, latent TB may progress to active TB, which can cause severe damage to the lungs and other organs.

Active TB

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Tuberculosis (TB)

Symptoms:
persistent cough; hemoptysis (coughing up blood); night sweats; weight loss; fatigue; fever; chest pain

Root Cause:
Active TB occurs when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria multiply and spread, causing symptoms and tissue damage, most commonly in the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with sputum smear microscopy, culture, chest X-ray, and molecular testing (e.g., GeneXpert). A positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) may indicate latent TB or recent exposure.

Treatment:
Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics for 6-9 months, often including Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol.

Medications:
The main medications used are Isoniazid (a bactericidal antibiotic), Rifampin (an antitubercular), Pyrazinamide (a bactericidal drug that targets dormant bacteria), and Ethambutol (an antimycobacterial). All are classified as antituberculars.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
TB remains a significant global health issue with over 10 million people affected each year. It is more common in developing countries and among individuals with compromised immune systems.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy), living in or traveling to high-risk areas, close contact with someone with active TB, malnutrition, and poor living conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If diagnosed early and treated appropriately, the prognosis is generally good, with a high cure rate. However, drug-resistant TB can complicate treatment and worsen prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications may include drug-resistant TB, lung damage, pneumonia, pleural effusion, hemoptysis, and dissemination of TB to other organs (e.g., kidneys, bones, brain).

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; fatigue; chest pain; shortness of breath; rash; headache; joint pain

Root Cause:
Caused by inhaling spores of Coccidioides species, fungi found in desert soils in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for antibodies, antigen detection, fungal cultures, imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan), or biopsy of affected tissues.

Treatment:
Mild cases often resolve without treatment; antifungal therapy is required for severe or chronic cases.

Medications:
Fluconazole or itraconazole (triazole antifungals) for most cases; amphotericin B (a polyene antifungal) for severe or disseminated infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic to arid regions; affects tens of thousands annually in the U.S., particularly in Arizona and California.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in or traveling to endemic areas, occupational exposure to dust, pregnancy, and immune suppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for acute cases; chronic or disseminated infections may require long-term treatment and carry a risk of complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pulmonary disease, disseminated infection affecting bones, skin, or meninges, and severe respiratory distress.

COVID-19

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Viral Infections

Symptoms:
fever; dry cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; loss of taste or smell; sore throat; muscle aches; headache; chills; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea

Root Cause:
Caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. Transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
PCR testing, rapid antigen tests, and clinical evaluation of symptoms.

Treatment:
Supportive care, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy in severe cases.

Medications:
Antiviral drugs such as remdesivir (RNA polymerase inhibitor) and paxlovid (combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir ) may be used. Severe cases may require corticosteroids like dexamethasone or monoclonal antibodies for immunomodulation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects populations globally; widespread outbreaks occurred in 2020-2021 with continued endemic cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, obesity, chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD), immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable; mild cases recover in 1-2 weeks, while severe cases can lead to long-term complications or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), blood clots, multi-organ failure, "long COVID" (persistent symptoms).

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Viral Infections

Symptoms:
runny nose; cough; sneezing; wheezing; fever; decreased appetite; difficulty breathing in severe cases

Root Cause:
Caused by RSV, a highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract, particularly dangerous for infants and older adults.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, rapid RSV antigen testing, or PCR tests.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including hydration, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation.

Medications:
In severe cases, ribavirin (antiviral) may be used. For high-risk infants, palivizumab (monoclonal antibody) can be administered prophylactically. Symptomatic relief includes fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects most children by age 2; seasonal outbreaks in fall and winter. Severe cases more common in infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, crowded living conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve within 1-2 weeks; severe cases can require hospitalization.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, respiratory failure, and increased risk of asthma later in life.

Acute Bronchitis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Bronchitis

Symptoms:
cough (with or without mucus production); chest discomfort; shortness of breath; fatigue; low-grade fever

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by a viral infection, leading to irritation and mucus production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on symptoms and physical examination. Tests like a chest X-ray or sputum analysis may be performed to rule out pneumonia or other conditions.

Treatment:
Symptom management includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for fever and cough. In some cases, bronchodilators may be used.

Medications:
Antibiotics are generally not prescribed unless a bacterial infection is suspected. Cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan ) and expectorants (e.g., guaifenesin ) may be used for symptomatic relief. Bronchodilators like albuterol can relieve wheezing or shortness of breath if present.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions of people annually; most common during fall and winter seasons.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, exposure to air pollutants, weakened immune system, and recent upper respiratory infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally self-limiting, resolving within 2–3 weeks. Persistent symptoms may indicate complications or another condition.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or exacerbation of asthma or COPD.

Empyema (Pleural Infection)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Symptoms:
fever; chest pain; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; weight loss; chills

Root Cause:
Accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, often as a complication of pneumonia or lung infection, caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan of the chest; thoracentesis to analyze pleural fluid; and blood tests to assess infection markers.

Treatment:
Antibiotics targeting the causative organism, drainage of the infected fluid via chest tube (thoracostomy), and occasionally surgical decortication if the infection is refractory.

Medications:
Empiric antibiotics such as vancomycin (glycopeptide antibiotic) and ceftriaxone (third-generation cephalosporin) are typically used initially. Specific antibiotics may be chosen based on culture results.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 20% of hospitalized patients with pneumonia; incidence varies by region and population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated or inadequately treated pneumonia, recent chest surgery or trauma, weakened immune system, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, most patients recover, but delayed treatment can lead to severe outcomes. Mortality rates range from 5–20% depending on severity.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Septic shock, respiratory failure, pleural thickening, lung entrapment, and persistent infection requiring surgery.