Latest Posts
DEATH
The time is 0830hrs on a Monday morning, at the hospital ICU. Mr M. and I have headed there early, hopeful to catch the morning care routine of a patient with a tracheostomy tube. This is for learning purposes in…
Lung Cancer
Overview Lung cancer refers to tumors from respiratory epithelium, including bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Globally, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among both sexes combined. It occurs more in males than in…
Sarcoidosis
Overview Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas. It is of unknown etiology and predominantly affects the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. Important differential diagnoses for granulomas need to be made when sarcoidosis is suspected, and these…
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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.…
Asthma
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…
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Laryngopharyngeal refulx (LPR), also known as the silent reflux (no belching or vomiting), is the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the larynx and pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx). The effect of gastric acid on the larynx…
Epiglottitis
Epiglottis Epiglottitis is an acute inflammation (commonly infectious) of the supraglottic region involving the epiglottis, vallecula, arytenoids, and aryepiglottic folds. It may also be referred to as supraglottitis as it may affect supraglottic structures mostly. The most common cause is…
Cervical Screening
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…