Читать книгу Respiratory Medicine - Stephen J. Bourke - Страница 49

In addition to these major respiratory symptoms, it is important to consider other associated symptoms. For example, anorexia and weight loss are features of malignancy or chronic lung infections (e.g. lung abscess). Pyrexia and sweating are features of acute (e.g. pneumonia) and chronic (e.g. tuberculosis) infections. Lethargy, malaise and confusion may be features of hypoxaemia. Headaches, particularly on awakening in the morning, may be a symptom of hypercapnia. Oedema may indicate cor pulmonale. Snoring and daytime somnolence may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Hoarseness of the voice may indicate damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve by a tumour.

Many respiratory diseases have their roots in previous childhood lung disease or in the patient’s environment, so that it is crucial to make specific enquiries concerning these points during history taking.