It is one of the most reflexive co-prescriptions in hospital medicine: a patient is started on corticosteroids, and almost in the same pen-stroke, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is added “for gastric protection.” It feels prudent, harmless, and defensible. But…
Chest drain insertion, or tube thoracostomy, is a fundamental procedure for managing conditions involving the pleural space. It involves placing a tube through the chest wall to drain air, fluid (blood, pus, or effusion), or to aid lung re-expansion after…
Asthma can be a manageable condition, but confidential enquiries into hundreds of asthma deaths in the UK have revealed sobering lessons. These reports, which informed the BTS/SIGN (British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) guidelines, show that most fatalities are preventable…
Oxygen therapy is a critical intervention, but the appropriate choice of device is essential for effective patient management and safety. Choosing the correct oxygen delivery system—from low-flow cannulae to high-flow therapy—depends entirely on the patient’s condition, the required FiO2 (Fraction…
An acute exacerbation of COPD is defined as an acute event characterized by a worsening of respiratory symptoms (typically increased dyspnea, cough, and/or sputum production/purulence) that necessitates a change in regular medication. The cornerstone of management is rapid pharmacological intervention…