Mnemonic for Pneumonia complications
SLAP HER
- Septicaemia – spread from lung parenchyma, can lead to metastatic infection e.g. endocarditis
- Lung abcess – look for swinging fever, foul-smelling sputum, weight loss, haemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain
- Atrial fibrilation esp. in elderly, may require beta-blocker
- Pericarditis/myocarditis may complicate pneumonia
- Hypotension – may be due to dehydration and sepsis-induced vasodilatation
- Empyema – if recurrent fever, yellowish pleural effusion aspirated
- Respiratory failure – type 1 is common, act if PaCO2 >6kPa
