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Tension pneumothorax develops when a lung or chest wall injury is such that it allows air into the pleural space but not out of it (a one-way valve). As a result, air accumulates and compresses the lung, eventually shifting the mediastinum, compressing the contralateral lung, and increasing intrathoracic pressure enough to decrease venous return to the heart, causing shock. These effects can develop rapidly, particularly in patients undergoing positive pressure ventilation.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is characterised by rapid onset dyspnea, bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray and respiratory failure. This may be due to conditions which directly affect the lung such as pneumonia, aspiration and near drowning. It may also be due to indirect lung injury, as in conditions like sepsis, pancreatitis, trauma and poisoning. The diagnostic criteria of ARDS, often described as the Berlin criteria is discussed in this presentation along with various management aspects of ARDS including ventilation strategies and use of antibiotics and diuretics. Finally prognostic features and alternative strategies are also discussed.
Loa loa filariasis (also known as loiasis, loaiasis, Calabar swellings, Fugitive swelling, Tropical swelling and African eyeworm) is a skin and eye disease caused by the nematode worm, loa loa. Humans contract this disease through the bite of a Deer fly or Mango fly (Chrysops spp), the vectors for Loa loa. The adult Loa loa filarial worm migrates throughout the subcutaneous tissues of humans, occasionally crossing into subconjunctival tissues of the eye where it can be easily observed. Loa loa does not normally affect one's vision but can be painful when moving about the eyeball or across the bridge of the nose.The disease can cause red itchy swellings below the skin called "Calabar swellings". The disease is treated with the drug diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and when appropriate, surgical methods may be employed to remove adult worms from the conjunctiva.
With keratoconus, the clear, dome-shaped tissue that covers the eye (cornea) thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. Its cause is unknown. Symptoms first appear during puberty or the late teens and include blurred vision and sensitivity to light and glare. Vision can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses early on. Advanced cases may require a cornea transplant.
Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal. Several types of thalassemia exist, including alpha-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia intermedia, Cooley's anemia and Mediterranean anemia. Hemoglobin is the substance in your red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen. The low hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells of thalassemia may cause anemia, leaving you fatigued. If you have mild thalassemia, you may not need treatment. But, if you have a more severe form of thalassemia, you may need regular blood transfusions. You can also take steps on your own to cope with fatigue, such as choosing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Flexible bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows a clinician to examine the breathing passages (airways) of the lungs (figure 1). Flexible bronchoscopy can be either a diagnostic procedure (to find out more about a possible problem) or a therapeutic procedure (to try to treat an existing problem or condition).
The venipuncture procedure is complex, requiring both knowledge and skill to perform. Each phlebotomist generally establishes a routine that is comfortable for her or him. Several essential steps are required for every successful collection procedure: Identify the patient. Assess the patient's physical disposition (i.e. diet, exercise, stress, basal state). Check the requisition form for requested tests, patient information, and any special requirements. Select a suitable site for venipuncture. Prepare the equipment, the patient and the puncture site. Perform the venipuncture. Collect the sample in the appropriate container. Recognize complications associated with the phlebotomy procedure. Assess the need for sample recollection and/or rejection. Label the collection tubes at the bedside or drawing area. Promptly send the specimens with the requisition to the laboratory.