呼吸器・呼吸器内科

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when a blood clot, usually originating from the deep veins of the legs, travels to the lungs and obstructs blood flow. It remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the years, advancements in medical technology and research have improved the diagnosis and management of PE. This article aims to explore the current trends in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism, highlighting the various diagnostic modalities, risk stratification methods, and treatment options available to healthcare professionals. Pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition that poses a significant challenge to healthcare providers due to its elusive nature. PE can range from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases to life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. In this article, we will delve into the latest trends in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a complex and life-threatening condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased workload on the right ventricle and eventual heart failure. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosing, and managing PH. This comprehensive review aims to explore the current trends in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension, focusing on the latest research, technological innovations, and therapeutic strategies. By discussing the various diagnostic tools, classification systems, and treatment options available, this paper endeavors to shed light on the advancements that have improved the outlook for patients with PH.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) develops when fluid accumulates in your lungs' small, elastic air sacs (alveoli). Because the fluid prevents your lungs from filling with enough air, less oxygen reaches your circulation. This deprives your organs of the oxygen they require to perform properly. ARDS is a potentially fatal form of respiratory failure that affects around 200,000 individuals in the United States each year, resulting in nearly 75,000 deaths. Globally, ARDS accounts for 10% of intensive care unit admissions, resulting in about 3 million ARDS patients each year.

Respiratory diseases constitute a significant global health burden, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The understanding of the genetic underpinnings of these conditions has rapidly evolved over the years, thanks to advances in genomic technologies and research. This comprehensive review delves into the latest genetic insights into respiratory diseases, exploring how bench research has translated into clinical applications at the bedside. We will discuss key respiratory conditions, such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and interstitial lung diseases, with a focus on genetic predisposition, risk factors, and personalized therapies. Moreover, we will analyze the impact of genetic discoveries on disease management and future prospects for precision medicine in the field of respiratory medicine.

Awareness among clinicians about idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis (PPFE) is lacking and by the time patients are diagnosed with it, they were seen by multiple physicians and misdiagnosed multiple times. It is a rare condition that is characterized by fibrosis of the pleura and subpleural lung parenchyma, predominantly affecting the upper lobes. Most common cause of fibrosis in other processes is collagen predominant but in PPFE fibrosis is usually caused by elastic fibers. Verhoeff van Gieson stain from lung biopsies in patients who presented with fibrosis in the upper pleural and parenchymal areas will help in establishing the diagnosis by demonstrating the elastic fibers. We also need to rule out the possibility of other lung parenchymal conditions like usual interstitial pneumonia, nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary apical cap etc. We have presented a case report on PPFE to bring attention to clinicians so that patients are diagnosed early.

Respiratory viral infections represent a significant burden on public health worldwide, causing a wide range of illnesses that vary in severity from mild common colds to severe respiratory syndromes, including influenza and COVID-19. Understanding the transmission mechanisms of these viruses and implementing effective containment strategies are critical to mitigating their impact on global health. This article aims to explore the key aspects of respiratory viral infections, including the transmission routes, risk factors, and containment measures that have been employed to control their spread. By synthesizing the latest research and public health efforts, we hope to provide valuable insights into combatting these infections and improving our overall preparedness for future outbreaks. Respiratory viral infections pose a continuous threat to public health, affecting millions of individuals every year. These infections are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosols, making personto- person transmission the primary mode of spread. The most common respiratory viral infections include influenza viruses, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, and more recently, the novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we delve into the mechanisms of transmission for these viruses and explore the containment strategies that have been employed to combat their spread.