Overview An arterial blood gas sample is an important investgiation in the acutely unwell patient, particularly those with respiratory distress. Venous blood gas samples are increasingly used to assess the…
Anticholinergics (aka antimuscarinic agents) are usually inhaled, but can be given IV in hospital. They are used in respiratory conditions as adjuncts to steroids and β2 receptors agonists. It is also…
Introduction ARDS – acute respiratory distress syndrome and ALI – acute lung injury, are essentially the same disease; ARDS is the more serious end of the spectrum, and for the…
Introduction to Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Arterial Blood Gas interpretation can be a daunting and difficult skill for any medical student or junior doctor. Try to look at as many…
Introduction Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which there is chronic inflammation of the airways, and hypersensitivity of the airways. Symptoms include wheeze, cough, chest tightness and SOB (dyspnoea).…
β2- agonists These act on β2 adrenoceptors on bronchial smooth muscle, causing dilation of the smooth muscle whatever the cause. They are selective because they only target the β2 receptors…
Introduction and Aeitology This is a disease that causes local irreversible dilation of the bronchial tree. It is an obstructive lung disease. It is almost always a result of bronchial…
Introduction Bronchiolitis is the most common serious respiratory infection during infancy. It comes in winter epidemics, during which time, 2-3% of all infants are admitted to hospital each year. The…
Definition The term bronchitis can be confusing. It is poorly defined, and sometimes mis-used. Bronchitis can be acute - typically caused by respiratory tract infections (usually viral), or chronic, typically…
Introduction Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning, also known as the “silent killer” can be a life-threatening situation. CO is an odourless, colourless gas (hence 'silent'). CO binds to haemoglobin (carboxyhemoglobin) with…