Saturday, 17 March 2012

Clinical Pearls in Pulmonology

Clinical Pearls in Pulmonology :

Patients with obstructive lung disease have trouble blowing air out (reduced FEV1/FVC), whereas patients with restrictive lung disease have trouble getting air in (reduced TLC).

The mainstay for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations includes bronchodilators, oxygen, and glucocorticoids, as well as antibiotics if infection is suspected.

Controlled supplemental oxygen along with positive-pressure mask ventilation (biphasic positive airway pressure) may prevent respiratory failure requiring intubation.

Smoking cessation and supplemental oxygen to treat chronic hypoxemia are the only medical therapies shown to decrease mortality among persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The hallmark of restrictive lung disease is decreased lung capacities, particularly the TLC but also the FVC.

Whereas in obstructive and restrictive lung disease, the FEV1 is decreased, the FEV1/FVC is decreased in obstructive processes and normal in restrictive processes.