Asthma Overview and Management

A condition where lung tissue collapses, usually due to blocked airways.

Atelectasis is the most common cause of fever within 24 hours of a post-surgical procedure.

A genetic disorder that affects the CFTR gene, causing thick mucus buildup in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs.

A test used to diagnose Cystic Fibrosis by measuring the amount of chloride in sweat.

A condition where a male with Cystic Fibrosis has absent or blocked vas deferens, leading to infertility.

A drug class used for Cystic Fibrosis treatment that helps CFTR proteins localize to the cell membrane and fold properly.

An enzyme that helps break down thick mucus in patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

A medication used to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.

A condition where air leaks into the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.

A type of pneumothorax where the pressure in the pleural space is greater than atmospheric pressure, compressing the lung and heart.

A spontaneous pneumothorax that occurs without an obvious cause.

A type of pneumothorax that occurs as a result of injury, often from trauma.

A condition where the diaphragm ruptures, allowing abdominal contents to enter the chest.

The process of inserting a needle into the chest to relieve pressure from a tension pneumothorax.

The process of inserting a chest tube into the chest cavity to drain air or fluid, often used after needle decompression for pneumothorax.

A surgical procedure where an incision is made in the chest wall to allow access to the chest cavity.

An autoimmune disorder characterized by non-caseating granulomas in the lungs, leading to hypercalcemia due to increased 1,25-(OH)2-D3 production.

Activated macrophages found in the granulomas of sarcoidosis.

The active form of vitamin D, produced by epithelioid macrophages in sarcoidosis.

The hormone responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood.

A common presenting symptom of sarcoidosis, characterized by red and tender bumps on the shins.

A diagnostic finding on chest X-ray or CT scan in sarcoidosis, indicating enlarged lymph nodes in the area near the lungs.

If a patient presents with dry cough and a normal chest X-ray, suspect asthma instead of sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis can also present with elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALP) and weight loss, but hypercalcemia may be absent.

A strong murmur in the pulmonic area (P2) and tricuspid regurgitation, however, are physical findings that suggest pulmonary hypertension.

A vasoconstrictor that is elevated in pulmonary hypertension, regardless of the cause, and particularly important in postpartum pulmonary hypertension.

A drug that blocks endothelin-1 receptors and is a high-yield treatment for pulmonary hypertension.

An autoimmune disease marked by fibrosis (scarring) and hardening of multiple organs, including the skin.

A subtype of systemic sclerosis involving skin tightening of fingers (sclerodactyly), Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, and sometimes calcium deposits (calcinosis).

A subtype of systemic sclerosis characterized by CREST syndrome plus renal involvement, leading to high blood pressure.

Both limited and diffuse scleroderma can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, which in turn causes pulmonary hypertension.

Scleroderma can cause inflammation and scarring of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.

A genetic disorder caused by abnormal cilia function due to defective dynein arms, leading to recurrent pneumonias and situs inversus or dextrocardia.

A molecule crucial for cilia function. Its defects are the underlying cause of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.

A condition where the heart is on the right side of the body, and other organs may be reversed.

Condition where the internal organs are arranged in a reversed position.

Lung disease characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular markings and loud P2 heart sound (or tricuspid regurgitation) in a young, non-smoking female.

A gene mutation commonly found in patients with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH).

A chronic condition where the right ventricle of the heart enlarges and weakens due to prolonged pressure from the lungs. It can be a consequence of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.

A condition characterized by right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and right heart failure, often seen in those with underlying Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.

A life-threatening condition where amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing a range of complications, such as respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

A pulmonary embolism caused by fat emboli, typically originating from a long bone fracture. It presents with shortness of breath, petechiae (small red spots) on the shoulders/chest, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

A life-threatening condition where air enters the bloodstream, usually during invasive procedures such as central venous line insertion, leading to blockage of pulmonary vessels and potentially fatal respiratory failure.

A state of decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues, often caused by shock. This can lead to lactic acidosis, a condition where the body produces excessive lactic acid due to anaerobic metabolism.

The buildup of lactic acid in the blood, often associated with shock or other conditions that restrict oxygen delivery to the tissues. It is characterized by low bicarbonate levels and decreased pH in blood.

A condition where the lungs are unable to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, often due to obstruction or perfusion issues. This can lead to a decrease in oxygen saturation and an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

A condition where the lungs are filled with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. This can be caused by various factors such as heart failure, pneumonia, or embolism.

A type of blood test that measures the amount of bicarbonate in the blood. Bicarbonate is an important component of the body's acid-base balance.