Pulmonary medicine

Article Abstract:

The beta2-agonist salmeterol xinafoate seems to be effective in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has a long active period and only needs to be taken twice a day. Asthma and COPD generate substantial health care costs, much of which is for drug treatment. However, some drug combinations such as beta-agonists and corticosteroids can be cost-effective because they save the cost of hospitalization. COPD can sometimes cause respiratory failure, which typically requires putting the patient on a ventilator. However, this can injure the airway and lead to other complications. Several researchers have tested a non-invasive face mask to deliver ventilation. In some studies the face mask reduced hospital stays and mortality rates. However, only one-third of the patients admitted were healthy enough to receive this form of treatment. Laser surgery has been used to reduce the volume of the lungs in patients with emphysema, which can reduce airway obstruction.

Surgery, Artificial respiration, Mechanical ventilation, Lung diseases, Obstructive, Chronic obstructive lung disease, Emphysema, Pulmonary, Emphysema

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Pulmonary medicine

Article Abstract:

Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug, has permitted new transplant techniques. Single-lung transplants have replaced heart-lung transplants for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. The technique is also used successfully to treat emphysema and other severe lung problems. Physicians must still find answers to the problems of graft rejection, infection and the side effects of cyclosporine. Asthma, previously thought to be an airway obstruction, is believed to be a combination of long-term and persistent airways inflammation and bronchospasm from the inflammation. It should be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Using an intermittent positive pressure mask for patients in respiratory failure rather than an endotracheal tube has been helpful for some patients. The increase in newly diagnosed tuberculosis, particularly in blacks and Hispanics age 24 to 44, as well as the spread of tuberculosis among HIV infected people, are steps backward in pulmonary health.

Demographic aspects, Lungs, Tuberculosis, Lung diseases, Ventilators, Ventilators (Medical equipment), Lung transplantation

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Pulmonary and critical care medicine

Article Abstract:

Deaths from asthma have increased from 0.8 per 100,000 in 1977 to 2.1 in 1991 and hospitalization for asthma is also rising. Risk factors include exposure to allergens, and higher mortality has been linked to poverty. Beta-agonist inhalers and drugs have also been linked to asthma deaths. Most patients who die gradually develop obstruction in airflow and are unaware of the seriousness of their symptoms. The Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma recommends the use of inhaled steroids and other anti-inflammatory agents as the first type of therapy in most cases except mild ones. A new drug salmeterol can be used for mild to moderate asthma; however, some patients tend to overuse the drug because of its delayed action.

Health aspects, Patient outcomes, Mortality, Salmeterol

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