22nd May 2024

Diagnosis

Clinical manifestations of respiratory infections tend to be relatively straightforward. More unusual presentations, such as abdominal pain, can occur. Nevertheless, clinical examination is always warranted with radiological and laboratory evaluation also indicated where required. The CURB-65 score is widely used as a scale for the assessment of respiratory infections. This comprises a point for each of; confusion, urea (> 7 mmol/L), respiratory rate ≥ 30 per minute, diastolic blood pressure ≤60 or systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg, and age over 65 years. A score of 4 or more warrants assessment by critical care.