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…