Question

How do you differentiate chlamydia pneumonia from RSV bronchiolitis?

a) By performing a throat swab for chlamydia testing
b) By the presence of a characteristic rash in chlamydia pneumonia
c) By the age of the patient and the seasonal pattern of RSV
d) By the severity of respiratory symptoms and chest X-ray findings

Answer 1

Chlamydia pneumonia can be distinguished from RSV bronchiolitis through throat swab testing for Chlamydia, considering the patient's age and seasonal patterns of RSV, and examining the severity of respiratory symptoms alongside chest X-ray findings.

Step-by-step explanation:

To differentiate Chlamydia pneumonia from RSV bronchiolitis, various methods can be utilized. A throat swab for Chlamydia testing can confirm the presence of Chlamydia infection, which is characteristic of Chlamydia pneumonia. On the other hand, RSV bronchiolitis is often identified by the age of the patient (commonly infants and young children) and the seasonal pattern of RSV, which tends to occur in fall and winter months. The severity of respiratory symptoms and chest X-ray findings can also provide clues, as RSV bronchiolitis typically presents with symptoms resembling a severe cold and may show hyperinflation and patchy infiltrates on a chest X-ray, while Chlamydia pneumonia may show more diffuse airspace consolidations.