Although spirometry is used to diagnose COPD, a new multidimensional diagnostic schema has been recently proposed to diagnose this disease. However, evidence in Chinese individuals and never smokers is limited.

Sarcoidosis is a complex systemic granulomatous disease with varying clinical manifestations, and immunosuppressive agents and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have been used in severe and refractory cases. However, the comparison of the serious side effects of these treatments remains poorly understood.

Tension pneumothorax (TP) traditionally is defined pleural pressure (Ppl) exceeding atmospheric pressure, which reduces venous return and leads to hemodynamic collapse. However, Ppl has yet to be measured directly in TP because of technical limitations, nor has it been studied in predicting outcomes for pneumothorax.

Survivors of critical illness often experience new or worsening impairments in various domains of health after discharge, collectively referred to as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Although this condition is common, it remains unclear whether providers are communicating routinely about survivorship and PICS to patients and families and whether patients are remembering these conversations.

OSA is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. This study examined the impact of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence on health care resource use (HCRU) in patients with CAD and newly diagnosed OSA.

In preterm infants receiving noninvasive ventilation, data about inspiratory effort (ΔPes) and transpulmonary driving pressure (ΔPL) are scarce. Electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) can estimate ΔPes and ΔPL when patient size precludes more accurate measurements. This estimation may reveal new insights into respiratory pathophysiology and potential risk of self-inflicted lung injury in neonates receiving noninvasive support.

Gastroesophageal balloon tamponade (GEBT) tube placement is a life-saving measure used as a bridge to definitive therapy in patients with variceal hemorrhage refractory to medical and endoscopic therapy. As a high-acuity low-occurrence (HALO) procedure, proficiency may not be achieved through clinical experience alone.

A 29-year-old man with a medical history of chronic rhinosinusitis presented with a 6-month history of chronic nonproductive cough and mild exertional dyspnea. Five years ago, at the time of his chronic rhinosinusitis diagnosis, he underwent a chest radiograph that revealed an ill-defined opacity in the middle zone of the left lung, suspicious for neoplasm, and was subsequently lost to follow-up, until he presented now with cough and dyspnea. There was no history of hemoptysis, epigastric discomfort/burning sensation, dysphagia, or post-tussive vomiting associated with cough. Exertional dyspnea was graded as modified Medical Research Council grade 1, and it was not associated with any diurnal or postural variations (orthopnea/trepopnea), chest pain, palpitations, or pedal edema. There was no history of fever, malaise, weight loss, or audible wheeze. The patient had no significant medical history of asthma, COPD, nasal obstruction, urticaria, or other chronic respiratory conditions. He did not smoke and reported no significant occupational or environmental exposures to allergens. There was no history of TB contact or recurrent respiratory infections. Additionally, there was no family history of similar respiratory findings or conditions. During the intervening years, the patient remained asymptomatic until his presentation with the new concerns.

A 20-year-old previously healthy man presented to our hospital with a 2-week history of dull aching pain localized to the anterior chest wall, specifically in the sternum region. The pain was non-radiating and was exacerbated by physical activity or deep inspiration. There was no associated swelling, redness, or deformity of the chest wall. There were no associated systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue. Additionally, there was no history of recent respiratory infections, coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, hemoptysis, palpitations, edema, or orthopnea to suggest pulmonary or cardiac involvement. The patient was of Indian ethnicity and has been living in India since birth. However, he had no known exposure to individuals with active pulmonary TB. The patient reported no history of trauma, repetitive physical strain, or prior surgical interventions, such as sternotomy or chest wall procedures. His medical history was unremarkable, with no prior hospitalizations or chronic illnesses. There was no personal or family history of autoimmune disorders, such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis, and he specifically denied symptoms such as morning stiffness, joint swelling, or peripheral joint pain that might suggest an inflammatory or autoimmune disorder. The absence of gastrointestinal or urogenital symptoms further reduced the likelihood of reactive arthritis or other systemic conditions. Relevant negatives also included no history of smoking, immunosuppressive therapy, or conditions such as diabetes or HIV that could increase susceptibility to infections.