UTHSC PA Program Podcast

In this episode, we review pneumoconiosis, a group of chronic occupational lung diseases caused by the inhalation and accumulation of mineral dust particles, resulting in persistent pulmonary inflammation and progressive fibrosis. We discuss important occupational exposures, including silica, coal dust, asbestos, and beryllium, along with the classic presentation of progressive exertional dyspnea,...

In this episode, we review cystic fibrosis (CF), a progressive, autosomal recessive multisystem disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, resulting in impaired chloride and bicarbonate transport and the production of thick, viscous secretions that affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. We discuss the underlying genetic mechanisms and classic clinical ma...

In this episode, we review pulmonary carcinoid tumors, rare, well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms arising from bronchial neuroendocrine cells, with an emphasis on distinguishing typical and atypical carcinoid tumors based on their growth patterns, mitotic activity, and presence of necrosis. We discuss important risk factors, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, al...

In this episode, we review acute bronchiolitis, a common viral lower respiratory tract infection primarily affecting infants and children younger than two years of age, characterized by inflammation, mucus accumulation, and obstruction of the small airways, most frequently caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We discuss important risk factors for severe illness, including prematurity, youn...

In this episode, we review acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a life-threatening form of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure characterized by diffuse alveolar inflammation, increased pulmonary capillary permeability, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, and severely impaired gas exchange. We discuss important underlying causes, including sepsis, pneumonia, aspiration, acute pancreatitis, and m...

In this episode, we review acute respiratory failure, a potentially life-threatening condition in which the lungs are unable to adequately oxygenate the blood or eliminate carbon dioxide, focusing on the differences between Type I (hypoxemic) and Type II (hypercapnic) respiratory failure. We discuss important underlying causes, including ventilation-perfusion mismatch, pulmonary shunting, alveolar...

In this episode, we review respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common viral respiratory infection and a leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants and children younger than two years of age, characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the small airways. We discuss important risk factors for severe illness, including prematurity, congenital heart disease, immunocompromised states, and young ag...

In this episode, we review pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening pulmonary condition characterized by the accumulation of air within the pleural space, resulting in partial or complete lung collapse. We discuss the differences between primary spontaneous, secondary spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax, along with important risk factors such as smoking, underlying pulmonary disea...

In this episode, we review sleep apnea, a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeated episodes of apnea and hypopnea, focusing on the differences between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). We discuss important risk factors, including obesity, increasing age, male sex, craniofacial abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, and opioid use, along with the...

In this episode, we review acute bronchitis, a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and increased mucus production, most frequently caused by viral infections. We discuss important risk factors, including smoking, asthma, environmental irritants, and exposure to respiratory infections, along with the classic presentation of persistent cough lasting 1–3 weeks, s...

In this episode, we review sarcoidosis, a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas that can affect multiple organ systems, most commonly the lungs. We discuss important risk factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental and occupational exposures, and possible immune-mediated mechanisms, along with the classic presentation of dyspnea, p...

In this episode, we review pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, transmitted through respiratory droplets and particularly concerning in young children and unimmunized individuals. We discuss the characteristic progression through the catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages, emphasizing the classic presentation of prolonged cou...

In this episode, we review influenza, a highly contagious viral respiratory infection caused primarily by influenza A and B viruses, transmitted through respiratory droplets and capable of producing significant seasonal outbreaks. We discuss important risk factors for severe illness, including young children, older adults, pregnancy, immunosuppression, and underlying chronic medical conditions, al...

In this episode, we review acute epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening upper airway emergency characterized by rapid inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can progress to complete airway obstruction. We discuss important causes and risk factors, including bacterial infections such as Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), incomplete childhood immunization, and immunocompromising...

In this episode, we review croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), a common pediatric respiratory illness characterized by inflammation and edema of the upper airway, most frequently caused by the parainfluenza virus. We discuss important risk factors, particularly in children between 6 and 36 months of age, along with the classic presentation of barking cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness, and respi...

In this episode, we review solitary pulmonary nodules, defined as isolated lung lesions measuring less than 3 cm in diameter that may represent benign granulomas, infections, inflammatory conditions, or early lung malignancy. We discuss important risk factors, including cigarette smoking, advanced age, prior malignancy, occupational exposures, and a history of fungal or tuberculosis infections, al...

In this episode, we review environmental and occupational lung disorders, a group of respiratory diseases caused by repeated exposure to harmful airborne substances that can produce chronic inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, and hypersensitivity reactions. We discuss important risk factors, including asbestos exposure, silica dust, mining, construction, farming, and environmental mold, along with t...

In this episode, we review fungal pneumonia, a pulmonary infection caused by inhalation of fungal spores, including Histoplasma, Coccidioides, Blastomyces, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis jirovecii. We discuss important risk factors, including immunosuppression, HIV/AIDS, chronic corticosteroid use, underlying lung disease, and environmental exposures, along with the classic presentation of fever, c...

In this episode, we review HIV-related pneumonia, specifically Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), an opportunistic fungal infection that primarily affects patients with advanced HIV infection and impaired cell-mediated immunity. We discuss important risk factors, including CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm³, poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and lack of appropriate prophylaxis, along with...

In this episode, we review chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive obstructive lung disease characterized by chronic bronchitis and emphysema, resulting in persistent airflow limitation, air trapping, and impaired respiratory function. We discuss important risk factors, including cigarette smoking, occupational exposures, air pollution, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, along...

In this episode, we review thoracentesis, a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving the removal of fluid from the pleural space to identify the underlying cause of a pleural effusion or relieve symptoms such as dyspnea. We discuss important indications, including unexplained pleural effusions, suspected infection or malignancy, and symptomatic fluid accumulation, along with relevant contrai...

In this episode, we review pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening condition caused by a thrombus, most commonly originating from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), that obstructs blood flow within the pulmonary arterial circulation. We discuss important risk factors, including recent surgery, prolonged immobilization, malignancy, pregnancy, and inherited thrombophilias, along with the...

In this episode, we review pleural effusion, the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pleural space, emphasizing the critical distinction between transudative and exudative effusions and how this classification guides diagnosis and management. We discuss important underlying causes, including heart failure, cirrhosis, pneumonia, malignancy, and pulmonary embolism, along with the classic prese...

In this episode, we review foreign body aspiration, a potentially life-threatening emergency caused by the inhalation of an object into the larynx, trachea, or bronchial tree, resulting in partial or complete airway obstruction. We discuss important risk factors, particularly in young children, older adults, and patients with swallowing difficulties, along with the classic presentation of sudden c...

In this episode, we review empyema, the accumulation of pus within the pleural space, most commonly developing as a complication of bacterial pneumonia and parapneumonic effusions. We discuss the three stages of disease progression—exudative, fibrinopurulent, and organizing—along with important risk factors and the classic presentation of fever, pleuritic chest pain, productive cough, dyspnea, and...