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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromen or SARS is a respiratory illness that was first noticed in 2003. The WHO has identified SARS as a probable global medical threat. SARS is highly contagious and is a serious form of pneumonia. Oral-fecal transmission of SARS can also occur.

Typical symptoms of SARS include high fever, dry cough, body ache leading to pneumonia. The patient might notice difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite and rashes. A patient suffering from severe respiratory illness is tested for viral agents. Sputum and blood culture are done. Pulse oximetry measurs oxygen saturation in the blood. Chest xray is also taken. Critical care is essential for any patient suffering from SARS.

Pneumonia

In most cases, pneumonia is noticed after an upper respiratory illness. When there is infection in the lung tissue, pneumonia occurs. This disease can be caused by either virus, bacteria, fungi or parasites. Pneumonia caused by virus appears gradually and may not be as severe as when caused by bacteria. The streptococcus bacteria, known as pneumococcus, is the main cause of pneumonia. adenoviruses, rhinovirus, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus are among the viruses that can cause pneumonia. Weak and elderly people are more at risk for contracting pneumonia. Persons with weakened immune systems or have had their spleen removed are more susceptible for pneumonia.

The disease is contagious and spreads through touching used handkerchiefs and sharing utensils. Symptoms of pnemonia include fever, cough and chest pain. There is labored breathing and abdominal pain. Wheezing is noticed in cases of viral pneumonia. A patient suffering from pneumonia may develop bluish or grayish palor on the lips and fingertips. A case of bacterial pneumonia can take about a fortnight to recover while viral pneumonia takes longer. Pneumonia can be mild or life threatening.

Pneumonia is detected during a physical examination. Chest xrays and CT scan can help confirm the presence of pneumonia and throw light on the extent and location of the infection. Blood tests and phlegm sample can detect presence of virus or bacteria. Bronchoscopy allows a doctor to examine the patient's breathing passages. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are prescribed to treat pneumonia. Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin are prescribed to those suffering from pneumonia. Vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae and pertussis are part of the routine immunization schedule for children.

BMP blood test

BMP blood test or Basic Metabolic Panel blood test comprises a set of tests that throw light on the functioning of a person's kidneys, blood sugar, calcium, electrolyte and acid/base levels. BMP blood test comprises testing for:

Glucose

Calcium

Sodium

Potassium

CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate)

Chloride

BMP blood test aids in diagnosis of kidney failure, diabetic coma, hypertension, changes in heart rhythms and respiratory illness. Other tests that are used by physicians to check for renal failurerenal failure are BUN blood test and test for creatinine. If there is elevated blood calcium level, it can be confirmed with an ionized calcium test. Electrolyte imbalance can occur due to many an illness.