Treatment Of Chest Infections Research Articles

The Link Between Chest Infections and Septicemia

Septicemia, also known as sepsis, is a serious and life-threatening condition that can occur when the body's immune system responds uncontrollably to an infection in the chest, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Chest infections can cause septicemia when the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream. Objective: To explore the link between septicemia and chest infection. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study that was conducted at Mayo Hospital in Lahore. The study included 101 patients with septicemia who were admitted to the medical wards and emergency room. Each patient underwent a liver function test, a kidney function test, and a full blood count. The data were analyzed using the latest version of SPSS. Results: Among the 101 patients, 13 patients (8 males and 5 females) were found to have septicemia due to chest infection. The patients had varying levels of bilirubin, blood glucose, blood urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, albumin, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Conclusions: Chest infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis can lead to septicemia, which can be life-threatening. Early detection and treatment of chest infections are important to prevent the development of septicemia. Patients with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease should be closely monitored for signs of infection. This study provides insight into the characteristics of septicemia due to chest infection, which can help healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of this condition.

Understanding the patient's experience of care in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveNew treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have improved survival; however, the complexity of care may be difficult for patients. The aim of this study was to assess the patient experience of modern IPF care.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken for 100 people with IPF with a range of disease severity (forced vital capacity range: 46–106% predicted). Participants were asked about their experience of care using semi‐structured interviews. Two investigators independently undertook analysis using the principles of grounded theory.ResultsParticipants reported dissatisfaction with information received about IPF, particularly at the time of diagnosis. Most were enthusiastic about the benefits of specialist IPF centres including regular monitoring, frequent contact with health professionals and access to clinical trials. However, the burden of travel to specialist centres and costs of treatment were significant. Many reported that side effects of anti‐fibrotics caused them to titrate or pause therapy, sometimes without consulting their treating team. Co‐morbid medical conditions had a negative impact on well‐being and highlighted poor coordination of care. Participants perceived a responsibility for self‐management that included exercise, diet, vaccination and treatment of chest infections; many felt this active role should receive more positive emphasis from health professionals.ConclusionThese data show opportunities to improve modern IPF care including accurate and timely provision of information, improving access to specialist care, more support for managing treatment side effects and better coordination of care for patients with co‐morbid conditions. Future research should explore the impact of self‐management strategies on IPF outcomes.

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of some bacterial pathogens involved in lower respiratory tract infections in Egypt

BackgroundResistance of bacteria to the used antimicrobials has risen dramatically in the past years. Special attention has to be given to infections caused by multiple drug resistant (MDR) organisms, as the therapeutic options are usually limited. The aim of this study is to determine the susceptibility and resistance prevalence bacteria isolated from patients suffering from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) against different antimicrobials commonly used in Egypt.Methods and findingsA total of 235 bacterial isolates were recovered from sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens obtained from patients with LRTI. The specimens were collected during the period from January 2012 to December 2012 from the microbiological diagnostic laboratory of Sadr Al-Abbassiya hospital specialized in the treatment of chest infections in Cairo, Egypt. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the lowest resistance was observed to amikacin, doxycycline and meropenem; only 19 isolates (8%) were resistant to each. While the highest resistance was observed to clindamycin; 108 isolates (45.9%) were resistant. Among the collected isolates; 62 isolates (26.4%) were found to be resistant to 6 or more antimicrobial agents; 53 isolates were Gram-negative (85.5%) while 9 isolates were Gram-positive (14.5%). Out of these 62 MDR isolates; 23 isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.1%), 15 isolates were Escherichia coli (24.2%), 10 isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.1%), 9 isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (14.5%), 3 isolates were Enterobacter cloacae (4.8%) and 2 isolates were Acinetobacter baumannii (3.2%). Most MDR organisms showed resistance to tested penicillin derivatives, cephalosporins as well as co-trimoxazole and macrolide antibiotics, with the exception of azithromycin.ConclusionMultiple drug resistance is a major health concern limiting the use of common antimicrobials in therapy. Guided prescription of antimicrobial agents must be implemented and controlled in Egyptian hospitals to limit further spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Determinants of Persistent Sputum Smear Positivity after Intensive Phase Chemotherapy among Patients with Tuberculosis at Rhodes Chest Clinic, Nairobi, Kenya

The prevalence of TB in sub-Sahara Africa has been reported as 511 per 100,000 populations and a mortality of 74 per 100,000 in year 2009. In the same period, incidence was estimated at 350 cases per 100,000. In this regard, the health system requires strengthening to respond to the rising cases of infection, drug resistance and quality of life lost while continuing to seek interventions that improve adherence to medication and case detection among those infected. Methods: This study sought to determine factors that are associated with sputum positivity after intensive phase of chemotherapy in people with tuberculosis. It was a retrospective case-control study conducted in Rhodes chest clinic, a City Council health unit in Nairobi that specializes in treatment of chest infections. The participants were sampled from clinic attendants who had completed two months of intensive phase TB chemotherapy and met inclusion criteria. Results: Seventy participants of whom 25 (36%) were sputum positive at the end of two (2) months intensive phase were included in the study. Skipping medication doses was significantly associated with sputum positivity (p = 0.01). Patients who were sputum positive at the end of the two-month period were more likely to have taken longer time before seeking treatment compared to those who were sputum negative by median (IQR) 8 (3 - 12) and 4 (3 - 8) weeks respectively although this difference was not significant (p = 0.09). Patients who had not disclosed their infection status had a two-fold possibility of remaining sputum positive at the end of intensive phase. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of TB, and adherence to medication were important factors that affect sputum conversion during intensive phase of TB treatment. Therefore, public health practitioners should advise patients to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment of signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.

Dry powder inhalation of colistin in cystic fibrosis patients: A single dose pilot study

Background Dry powder inhalation (DPI) may be an alternative to nebulisation of drugs in the treatment of chest infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In a pilot study the feasibility of a colistin dry powder inhaler (prototype Twincer ®) by a single dose in CF-patients was assessed and compared to nebulised colistin. Methods Ten CF-patients, chronically infected with P. aeruginosa, participated in a randomised cross over study. On two visits to the outpatient clinic, patients inhaled colistin sulphomethate as 25 mg dry powder (Twincer ®) or as 158 mg nebulised solution (Ventstream ® nebuliser, PortaNeb ® compressor). Pulmonary function tests were performed before, 5 and 30 min after inhalation. Serum samples were drawn prior to each dose and at 15, 45 min, 1.5; 2.5; 3.5 and 5.5 h after inhalation. Results The DPI was well tolerated by the patients: no significant reduction in FEV1 was observed. Relative bioavailability of DPI to nebulisation was approx. 140% based on actual dose and approx. 270% based on drug dose label claim. Conclusions The colistin DPI (Twincer ® inhaler) is well tolerated and appreciated by CF-patients. Optimisation with respect to particle size and internal resistance of the inhaler is necessary to attain equivalent pulmonary deposition to liquid nebulisation.

Supplemental nasogastric feeding in cystic fibrosis patients during treatment for acute exacerbation of chest disease

The use of overnight, nasogastric, nutritional supplementation during hospitalization of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) receiving antibiotic therapy for acute exacerbations of respiratory disease was evaluated in 11 children (mean age = 7.75 years). Supplementary feeding significantly increased inpatient energy intake from 116 +/- 30% to 165 +/- 30% (P less than 0.001) of recommended dietary allowance with minimal effect on oral intake. It also resulted in significantly improved weight gains but neither increased energy intakes nor weights were sustained at short-term (mean = 5.7 weeks) or long-term (mean = 21.6 weeks) follow-up. The notion that short bursts of nasogastric feeding for inpatients with CF improve growth status is not supported. However, the study did show that treatment of chest infections alone does not positively affect spontaneous oral energy intake.

Fleroxacin: penetrates into the bronchial mucosa indicating potential efficacy in the treatment of chest infections

Fleroxacin: penetrates into the bronchial mucosa indicating potential efficacy in the treatment of chest infections

Augmentin (intravenous then oral) compared with cefuroxime followed by cephalexin for chest infections in hospitalised patients

SummaryAugmentin and cefuroxime were compared in the treatment of chest infections in hospital patients in a multicentre study. One hundred and six patients were randomly allocated to 48 hours treatment with intravenous Augmentin, (amoxycillin 1g + clavulanic acid 200mg), every eight hours. Sixty eight patients received cefuroxime (750mg) intravenously every eight hours. Patients receiving intravenous Augmentin were then given five days oral treatment with Augmentin. Patients receiving cefuroxime were subsequently given five days oral treatment with cephalexin. For severely ill patients, the intravenous phase of treatment was extended from 48 to 96 hours.There was no significant difference in the numbers of patients showing a good overall response to the two therapies at 48 hours. However, at Day 7 significantly more patients were clinically improved or cured after receiving Augmentin as opposed to those taking cefuroxime/cephalexin.There were no significant differences between treatment groups when analysed by indication or by key sign or symptom.At the start of treatment bacterial organisms were isolated from the sputum of 29/87 (33 per cent) of patients who received Augmentin and from 19/48 (40 per cent) of patients producing sputum who received cefuroxime. Both treatment regimens proved effective against the organisms isolated at the start of treatment. At the end of treatment all of these organisms had been eradicated by Augmentin and 91 per cent had been eradicated by the cefuroxime/cephalexin regimen.Both treatments were well tolerated, with no significant difference between treatments in the small number of adverse events noted.Augmentin and cefuroxime have been shown to be similarly effective and well tolerated treatments for chest infection. In addition, it is shown that Augmentin has advantages in terms of speed of response and it is available as both intravenous and oral formulations. Thus, Augmentin would be a suitable first choice antibiotic for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections.

Augmentin compared with oxytetracycline for chest infections in general practice

Augmentin and oxytetracycline were compared in the treatment of chest infections in general practice in an investigator-blind study of 748 patients randomly allocated to 7 days' treatment with standard doses of either Augmentin or oxytetracycline. Significantly more patients treated with Augmentin had a good overall response to therapy both at day 7 ( P<0.001) and at day 14 ( P<0.01). The differences between treatments were less marked for individual signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections, due to smaller numbers of patients with any particular symptom. Augmentin, however, was significantly more effective than oxytetracycline in the resolution of chest pain at day 7 ( P<0.025) and cough at day 14 ( P<0.005). Sputum purulence was also cleared more effectively by Augmentin by day 14 ( P<0.001). Both treatments were well tolerated, with no significant difference between treatments in the small number of adverse events. Augmentin has been shown to be an effective, well tolerated treatment for chest infections, superior to oxytetracycline in efficacy and possibly in speed of resolution of clinical symptoms.

Temocillin in the treatment of chest infections.

In our study, 16 patients with acute infection complicating severe respiratory disease were treated with temocillin 2g or 3g daily for 5 to 10 days. In 10 patients, a recognised respiratory pathogen, either Haemophilus influenzae (temocillin-sensitive) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (temocillin-resistant), was isolated from sputum before the start of treatment. 13 patients improved clinically but 5 subsequently relapsed. Two patients failed to respond, and 1 died of respiratory failure. There was no clearcut relationship between the clinical progress and sensitivity of the isolated pathogen to temocillin, and there were no adverse effects associated with the administration of temocillin.

Cephradine, a Double‐blind Comparison with Ampicillin in the Treatment of Chest Infections

Cephradine, a Double‐blind Comparison with Ampicillin in the Treatment of Chest Infections

Use of combinations of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of chest infections.

Combinations of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) have been used to treat patients with chest infections caused predominantly by Haemophilus influenzae and Diplococcus pneumoniae. In a single blind comparative trial with ampicillin TMP-SMZ was superior in reducing volume of sputum and purulence and in eradicating pathogens from the sputum. Two groups of patients with severe bronchitis received the combination for periods of between three and 30 months, with excellent clinical effect and minimal effects on the blood count. No resistant strains of H. influenzae or D. pneumoniae emerged. Pneumonia, lung abscess, and bronchiectasis were also treated, with excellent clinical response. The pathogenic organisms eradicated from the sputum in these cases included penicillin-resistant staphylococci and Klebsiella. It has been demonstrated that TMP is concentrated in the sputum. This may account for the efficacy of TMP-SMZ in treating chest infections.

Doxycycline, a Once‐Daily Antibiotic in the Treatment of Chest Infections in General Practice

International Journal of Clinical PracticeVolume 25, Issue 4 p. 175-176 Clinical Trials Doxycycline, a Once-Daily Antibiotic in the Treatment of Chest Infections in General Practice R. Rogerson LMSSA, R. Rogerson LMSSA General Practitioner, HullSearch for more papers by this author R. Rogerson LMSSA, R. Rogerson LMSSA General Practitioner, HullSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 April 1971 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-1241.1971.tb09294.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume25, Issue4April 1971Pages 175-176 RelatedInformation