COPD (Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis): From Diagnosis to Treatment
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a condition in which there is chronic obstruction to airflow due to chronic bronchitis with or without emphysema
Asthma: Approach, Evaluation and Management
Asthma - Approach, Evaluation and Management excerpt
Asthma is a disease of the airways characterized by an increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to many different stimuli. It is manifested by paroxysms of shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Differential Diagnosis, Examination and Investigations
The Causes of Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is the subjective sensation of breathlessness which is excessive for any given level of activity. It is important to remember that any component of the respiratory system can cause dyspnea.
Cough and Hemoptysis – Differential Diagnosis, Examination and Investigations
The Causes of Haemoptysis
Coughing is a nonspecific reaction to irritation anywhere in the respiratory tract from the pharynx to the lungs, and it is the most common manifestation of lower respiratory tract disease. Any cough that persists for over 3 weeks merits further investigation in the absence of an obvious cause.
Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Measures that may Reduce Risk of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia that occurs in a mechanically ventilated patient more than 48 hours after endotracheal intubation. VAP can occur in up to 27% of all…
Hemoptysis – Causes, Evaluation and Management
Hemoptysis Differential Diagnosis
Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from a subglottic source. Massive hemoptysis accounts for ~5% to 15% of cases and is often described as more than 600 mL of blood in a 24-hour period.
Evaluation and Management of Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder that is characterized by noncaseating granulomas. Pulmonary involvement is the most common manifestation, but extrapulmonary manifestations are seen in up to 30% of patients.
Acute Illnesses that Lead to Rapid Deterioration in Pulmonary Hypertension
WHO Classification System of Pulmonary Hypertension
Sudden deterioration in RV function can rapidly lead to shock, cardiovascular collapse, and death. In the ED, it is important to rapidly recognize and treat common precipitants of acute decompensation. These include sepsis, tachyarrhythmias, hypoxia, pulmonary embolism (PE), and the abrupt withdrawal of vasodilator medications.