Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a disease state characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction. 75% of COPD patients are long-time smokers. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and most patients have features of both.…
Overview Asthma is an acute or sub-acute inflammation of the airways, precipitated by a variety of factors that result in bronchial hyperactivity and airway obstruction. The cause is idiopathic. Varies in degrees of severity and chronicity. Mild attacks may linger…
Overview Cervical screening is one of the cornerstones of gynaecological visits. Every woman attending a clinical visit should have their records assessed to ensure they are up to date on their cervical screening. HPV DNA testing is not recommended before…
Anatomy The thyroid is a bi-lobed shield-shaped organ located anteriorly in the neck that is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones and calcitonin. It has a right and left lobe connected by the isthmus. Each lobe has a superior…
Small Bowel Obstruciton Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract at the level of the small intestine. It is a common surgical condition. It is mostly caused by mechanical obstruction of the bowel (intraluminal or extraluminal). Aetiology…
Overview CNS infections carry a high mortality if untreated or improperly treated. It is important to recognize and treat differently neonates, young people, adults, old people, and immunocompromised since different organisms affect these different populations. Infections of the CNS include:…
Overview Condition Description Erysipelas Superficial infection of the upper layers of the dermis. Raised sharply demarcated edges, rapid spread and onset, and fever early in course. Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Cellulitis Infection that involves the deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue.…
Overview Neck trauma includes both blunt and penetrating trauma. The airway is a major concern in neck trauma. Patients who present with hypoxia, stridor, neck distortions, or hematoma should be intubated immediately. Blunt trauma is primarily managed based on symptoms…
Overview Patients do not die from an inability to intubate the trachea…they die from lack of oxygen ASA defines a difficult airway as a clinical situation in which a conventionally trained anaesthesiologist experiences difficulty with facemask ventilation of the upper…
Overview Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) are synonymous with unstable angina (Chest pain lasting >10-20 minutes not relieved by rest) and may represent myocardial infarction (MI). They are caused by complete or partial occlusion of a coronary artery. ACS requires prompt…