Definition: Symptomatic inflammation of the lining mucosa of nose and paranasal sinuses. Uncomplicated rhinosinusitis is defined as rhinosinusitis without clinically evident extension of inflammation outside the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity at the time of diagnosis (eg, no neurologic, ophthalmologic, or soft tissue involvement). Types: Based on duration Acute Rhinosinusitis (ARS):…
Tag: Respiratory system
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Chest X-ray – Pleural Effusion
Pleura is a mesothelial lined sac that envelopes the lungs and comprises of 2 membranous walls i.e. visceral pleura and parietal pleura that encloses pleural space filled with pleural fluid. Pleural space contains about 0.3 ml/kg body weight of pleural fluid. The pleura is not visible on a normal CXR…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Hemoptysis – Examination and Evaluation
Synonym: Haemoptysis Definition of Hemoptysis Simple definition: Expectoration of blood or bloody sputum Hemoptysis is defined as the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract, a spectrum that varies from blood-streaking of sputum to coughing up large amounts of pure blood. True hemoptysis is expectoration of blood from the lower respiratory tree, below…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Respiratory Examination – Relevant Anatomy and Physiology
1. Division of Airway: Extrathoracic (Upper) airway: Nose to Upper trachea Intrathoracic (Lower) airway: Lower trachea to Alveoli and lungs Note: Vocal fold is also regarded as the demarcating line between upper and lower respiratory tract 2. Angle of Louis: Junction of body of sternum to manubrium (2nd costal cartilage…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Respiratory Examination – Noisy Breathing
GRUNTING Definition: A short, explosive, moaning or crying sound heard on expiration (Child and neonates) Cause: Any cause of respiratory distress Mechanism: In attempt to increase FRC which helps to keep narrowed or collapsing airways open, creating a longer time for alveolar gas exchange STERTOR Definition: Non-musical, low pitched, snoring…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Respiratory Examination – Dyspnea
Definition: Breathlessness inappropriate to the level of physical exertion or even occurring at rest (subjective and not a sign) Mechanisms: Chemoreceptors: Peripheral: Carotid and aortic bodies (to pO2, pCO2 and H+) Central: Medulla (to pCO2, not pO2, change in pH of CSF) a. Increased work of breathing: Airflow obstruction: Bronchial…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Text Presentation on Empyema Thoracis
A) INTRODUCTION Empyema (aka Empyema Thoracs or Empyema of the chest) is an accumulation of pus in the pleural space that occurs when an infection spreads from the lungs. It comes from the Greek word empyein, which means : pus–producing (suppurates). Empyema itself is not a disease but it is actually a condition complicated by another disease….
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Pulsus Paradoxus – Clinical Examination
Synonyms: Paradoxical pulse, Paradoxic pulse, Reversed Bernheim sign Definition of Pulsus Paradoxus There is normal physiological fall in Blood pressure upto 10 mmHg during inspiration. Pulsus paradoxus is the exaggeration of this normal decline in blood pressure more than 10 mmHg during inspiration. The “paradox” refers to the fact that…