Upper Abdominal Pain in the Emergency Department

Work-up for upper abdominal pain begins with resuscitation and exclusion of critical diagnoses. Then, through a detailed history and physical, consider all the causes of upper abdominal pain. The differential may then come down to Gallstone etiology vs Gastritis/PUD → will need further imaging based on suspicion (US abdomen)

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Acute Illnesses that Lead to Rapid Deterioration in Pulmonary Hypertension

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Classification of Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Post category:Pulmonology

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.

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Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) in the Emergency Department

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Shortness of Breath Algorithm

Assess severity of dyspnea, including need for intubation/airway management based on physical examination. Emergent intubation indicated regardless of cause if severe respiratory distress/arrest. Consider Critical diagnoses → may be able to cure patient and avert intubation if the underlying cause is corrected (i.e. chest tube insertion, foreign body removal…)

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