Respiratory
Respiratory diseases are conditions that affect the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system.
Infections - pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs, known as alveoli, which may fill with fluid or pus. This condition makes it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and shortness of breath. Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can affect individuals of all ages but poses a higher risk to infants, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and require hospitalization.
Treatment depends on the cause but often includes antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral or antifungal medications when appropriate, and supportive care such as rest, hydration, and oxygen therapy. With early diagnosis and proper management, most patients recover fully, although some may require prolonged care.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition that arises when fluid builds up in the lungs' tiny air sacs, severely limiting oxygen exchange. It usually develops as a complication of critical illnesses such as severe infections, trauma, pancreatitis, or inhalation of harmful substances. The onset of ARDS is typically sudden, and it leads to rapid and labored breathing, extreme difficulty in getting enough oxygen into the body, and cyanosis or bluish skin coloration due to oxygen deprivation. This condition requires immediate and aggressive treatment in an intensive care unit, where mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy are commonly employed.
Since ARDS often develops as a secondary complication, managing the underlying cause—such as sepsis or pneumonia—is essential to improving outcomes. Despite advances in care, ARDS can result in long-term lung damage and has a high mortality rate, making early intervention critical.
Trauma
Chest trauma or pulmonary trauma refers to any injury to the chest area that affects the lungs, ribs, or associated structures. It can result from blunt force, such as a car accident or fall, or from penetrating injuries like gunshot or stab wounds. The consequences of chest trauma vary widely and may include rib fractures, pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity), hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), and lung contusions. These injuries often impair the lungs' ability to expand and function properly, causing pain, difficulty breathing, and decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
Some injuries may be immediately life-threatening and require emergency intervention, such as the insertion of chest tubes, mechanical ventilation, or surgical repair. Recovery depends on the severity of the trauma and the speed of medical response. Prompt diagnosis using imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans is vital to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid leaks into the lungs' air sacs and tissue, causing difficulty in breathing. It is most commonly caused by heart-related problems, particularly left-sided heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to a backup of pressure in the lung’s blood vessels. This increased pressure pushes fluid into the alveoli, resulting in shortness of breath, coughing (sometimes with frothy or blood-tinged sputum), and a sensation of drowning or suffocating, especially when lying flat. Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema can also occur due to direct lung injury from infections, inhalation of toxic substances, trauma, or high altitude.
Pulmonary edema is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Treatment involves stabilizing the patient with oxygen, medications like diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, and addressing the underlying cause, whether it's a heart condition or another triggering factor. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to respiratory failure and even death.
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical condition that occurs when a blood clot—usually originating from the deep veins of the legs—travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery. This blockage prevents blood flow to parts of the lung, severely impairing gas exchange and putting strain on the heart. Symptoms can arise suddenly and include sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, coughing (sometimes with blood), and fainting.
Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate diagnosis, often through imaging studies like CT pulmonary angiography or a ventilation-perfusion scan. Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting, thrombolytics to dissolve existing clots in severe cases, and in some situations, surgical intervention to remove the obstruction. Preventive measures such as compression stockings, mobility after surgery, and blood thinners are important for high-risk individuals. If not treated promptly, PE can lead to shock, heart failure, or sudden death.