Misdiagnosis of Pneumonia

Misdiagnosis and Pneumonia

Chronic lung diseases hard to diagnose: Some of the chronic lung diseases are difficult to diagnose. Even the well-knowns conditions such as asthma or lung cancer often fail to be diagnosed early. Some of the chronic lung diseases with diagnostic difficulties include asthma (perhaps surprisingly), COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, mesothelioma, smoker's cough, AIDS-related respiratory conditions (see AIDS), chronic pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases. Rare possibilities include diseases like psittacosis (bird-related lung infection). See other types of chronic lung diseases.

Meconium ileus- look for cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive paediatric illness. The defect in the normal transport of chloride ions leads to viscid secretions in the gut, lungs, liver and reproductive system. It also leads to increased salt content in sweat gland secretions. Early diagnosis and multisystemic care is important. The condition has to be differentiated from chronic pancreatitis and bronchiectasis. Early mortality can occur if the condition is not diagnosed soon.

Fever of less than 3 days duration: Fever of less than 3 days duration is commonly encountered in general practice and is most likely to be case of viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is important however to be on a lookout for other infections such as urinary tract infection and pneumonia. A complete general physical examination as well as routine blood tests and urine examination will help come to a diagnosis. The majority of the patients can be managed conservatively. If the fever persists for more than 4 days a less common infection must be suspected since most viral infections subside in 4 days.

FUO in children: Fever of unknown origin in children is usually transient and subsides within 4- 5 days. Majority of them are of viral aetiology. The common causes of fever in children differ from that of adults. Some of the infectious causes include pneumonia, pharyngitis, sinusitis, meningitis and urinary tract infection. In some case it could be due to rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever or neoplastic conditions like lymphoma and leukaemia.

Dressler's syndrome or post- MI syndrome: Dressler’s syndrome also known as the post- MI syndrome usually occurs a few weeks after the infarction. It appears to be an immunological reaction characterized by pericarditis, fever and pericardial effusion. The term Dressler’s syndrome is often applied to similar condition which occurs following cardiotomy. The pain of Dressler’s syndrome may initially suggest that of a further episode of angina or MI. pleuritic chest pain may also suggest pneumonia and pulmonary embolism and may hence be misdiagnosed. It can follow a relapsing course but the outcome is usually favorable.

More about Misdiagnosis

• Causes of Pneumonia
• Misdiagnosis Overview
• How Common is Misdiagnosis?
• Over-Diagnosed Diseases
• Under-Diagnosed Diseases
• Types of Misdiagnosis
• Wrong Type Misdiagnosis
• Why Does Misdiagnosis Occur?
• Difficult Diseases to Diagnose
• More premium medical articles ...

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