Introduction to Respiratory Exam
For a detailed walk-through of the respiratory exam, please see this Respiratory Exam article INTRODUCTION Wash hands Check patient name/DOB/hospital number Introduce- “My name is…” Consent “Is it ok if…
Leukotriene Antagonists
Introduction These are given in oral tablet form and are used to treat severe chronic asthma. They are only ever used in conjunction with corticosteroids. Mechanism They block the LTD4…
Lung Cancer
Introduction When we talk about lung cancer, we are generally referring to tumour of the bronchus. 95% of lung cancers are carcinoma of the bronchus 2% are alveolar tumours 3%…
Scoring systemis in medicine
MRC Dyspnoea Scale in COPD
Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale in COPD 1: Not troubles by breathlessness except on strenuous exercise. 2: Short of breath when hurrying or walking up a slight hill. 3: Walks…
Pleural Effusion
Introduction This is the accumulation of fluid within the pleural space. It is important to note that empyema (collection of pus within the pleural cavity) and haemothorax (collection of blood…
Pneumoconiosis
Introduction Pneumoconiosis is a term used to describes a range of interstitial lung diseases caused by inhalation of mineral dusts, resulting in interstitial fibrosis. They are usually occupational diseases (but…
Pneumonia (Adults)
This article describes adult respiratory tract infection. For more information, please see paediatric respiratory infections Introduction Pneumonia is a common lower respiratory tract infection, characterised by inflammation of the lung…
Pneumonia (Children)
Introduction Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, characterised by inflammation of the lung parenchyma and production of fluid in the alveoli. It is technically a type of bronchitis (infection…
Pneumothorax. Image from Wikimedia Commons. Author: BruceBlaus
Pneumothorax
Introduction A pneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space - between the lung and the chest wall. They can be: Primary – no underlying lung disease. Secondary…
Psittacosis (Ornithosis)
Introduction Psittacosis (aka Ornithosis) is an infectious disease, sometimes associated with an atypical pneumonia, caused by the gram-negative bacterium Chalmydia psittaci. It is usually transmitted to humans from birds. It is contracted through…