Airway Obstruction
Overview Definition Airway obstruction is a blockage of the airways, which impedes air flow and effective respiration. Anatomic classification Epidemiology Etiology Upper airway obstruction and CAO (large airway obstruction): Lower airway obstruction (small airway obstruction): Pathophysiology Mechanisms Chronic and subacute Acute Clinical Presentation Chronic and subacute Acute Diagnosis History History can be obtained from a […]
Tuberculosis
Overview Definition Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease affecting the lungs and, sometimes, other organs. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) bacteria. Epidemiology Pathophysiology Etiologic agent The M. tuberculosis complex is a group of species that can cause TB in humans or other animals. Key species: Characteristics: Virulence factors: Transmission: Pathogenesis Tuberculosis disease […]
Lung Cancer Screening
Overview Lung cancer Lung cancer is a malignant tumor of the lung originating from the respiratory epithelium of the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Epidemiology Risk factors Risk factor reduction Smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancer. Screening Rationale Benefits of screening Risks of screening Screening Recommendation Strategies for Screening Low-dose computed tomography Table: Summary […]
Pneumothorax
Classification and Epidemiology Classification Epidemiology Etiology Traumatic pneumothorax Spontaneous pneumothorax Pathophysiology As air enters the pleural space, which normally has a negative pressure, the elastic recoil in the lung tissues causes either a partial or full lung collapse. Normal physiology Traumatic pneumothorax Spontaneous pneumothorax Tension pneumothorax Clinical Presentation The clinical presentation will depend on the […]
Asthma Drugs
Overview Table: Classification of drugs used in asthma Function Class Examples Bronchodilators β-agonists Short-acting β-agonists (SABAs): albuterol, terbutaline, levalbuterol Long-acting β-agonists (LABAs): salmeterol, formoterol Methylxanthines Theophylline Muscarinic antagonists Short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA): ipratropium Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA): tiotropium Anti-inflammatory agents Mast cell degranulation inhibitors (chromones) Cromolyn, nedocromil Antibodies Against IgE: omalizumab Against interleukin (IL)-5: mepolizumab […]
Asthma
Definition and Epidemiology Definition Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways: Epidemiology Etiology Predisposing factors for asthma Asthma triggers In established asthma, different triggers may exacerbate the symptoms. These include the following: Pathophysiology Predominant inflammatory response Other mechanism Heterogeneity of asthma Clinical Presentation Symptoms Signs Classification of asthma based on severity Component Classification […]
Interstitial Lung Diseases
Overview Definition Epidemiology Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and ILD associated with connective tissue diseases are the most common types of ILD. Classification It is useful to categorize ILDs into those with and without a known cause. Table: Types of interstitial lung disease Cause unknown Cause known Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP): Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) Nonspecific […]
Pneumonia
Definition and Epidemiology Pneumonia is the infection of the lung parenchyma. Types of pneumonia Epidemiology Risk Factors and Pathophysiology Risk factors for multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens Table 1: Risk factors for infection with pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics for CAP MDR gram-negative bacteria and MRSA Nosocomial (HAP and VAP) MRSA Community-acquired MRSA Hospitalization ≥ 2 […]
Pneumoconiosis
Epidemiology and Etiology Definition and types Pneumoconiosis is the classic term used to describe the non-neoplastic lung reaction to chronic inhalation of mineral dusts encountered at the workplace. Some lung experts believe that the term “pneumoconiosis” should also include diseases induced by chemical fumes and vapors but this is not a widespread practice and will […]
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Epidemiology and Classification Epidemiology Classification Risk Factors and Pathophysiology Risk factors Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Diagnosis Management Conservative management Improving modifiable risk factors: Positive airway pressure devices Surgery Clinical Relevance Possible complications of obstructive sleep apnea: