Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes a significant amount of morbidity and mortality. It’s the fourth leading cause of death in the world. COPD produces anatomical changes in the lungs that lead to narrowing of small airways, destruction of lung tissue, overproduction of mucous, reduced ciliary function, and airflow limitation. Smoking is the most common […]
Pulmonology
Asthma
Asthma is pretty common. Over 25 million people in the US have it, and over 3500 people died from it in 2017. Hispanics and blacks suffer disproportionately. It’s a disease of chronic airway inflammation causing expiratory limitations including wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cough. It can be spontaneous or triggered by exercise, allergens […]
Pulmonary HTN
Stages: No symptoms Symptoms with strenuous daily activities Symptoms with normal daily activities Symptoms at rest. Treatment: High dose CCBs Inhaled nitric oxide IV epoprostenol and IV adenosine ambrisentan, bosentan, macitentan, riociguat, sildenafil, tadalafil