UTHSC PA Program Podcast

In this episode, we review tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to extrapulmonary sites. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology and important risk factors, including close contact with infected individuals, immunosuppression, HIV, diabetes, and residence in high-risk settings, along with the classic...

In this episode, we review hyaline membrane disease, also known as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a respiratory disorder primarily affecting premature infants due to surfactant deficiency, resulting in alveolar collapse, impaired gas exchange, and respiratory distress. We discuss important risk factors, including prematurity, low birth weight, maternal diabetes, and cesarean deliver...

In this episode, we review hemothorax, the accumulation of blood within the pleural cavity, most commonly resulting from blunt or penetrating chest trauma. We discuss important causes and risk factors, including rib fractures, vascular injuries, anticoagulation, and iatrogenic complications, along with the classic presentation of dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, decreased breath sounds,...

In this episode, we review chylothorax, an uncommon accumulation of lymphatic fluid (chyle) within the pleural space caused by disruption or obstruction of the thoracic duct or its tributaries. We discuss important causes and risk factors, including thoracic surgery, traumatic injury, lymphoma, and other malignancies, along with the classic presentation of dyspnea, chest discomfort, and decreased...

In this episode, we review chest tube placement (tube thoracostomy), a potentially lifesaving procedure used to remove air, blood, pus, or other fluid from the pleural space. We discuss the major indications, including pneumothorax, hemothorax, empyema, chylothorax, and symptomatic pleural effusions, along with important contraindications and anatomical landmarks, particularly the triangle of safe...

In this episode, we review oral leukoplakia, a potentially malignant disorder characterized by persistent white patches or plaques of the oral mucosa that cannot be attributed to another identifiable condition. We discuss important risk factors, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, chronic mucosal irritation, and immunosuppression, along with the clinical differences between homogeneo...

In this episode, we review sinusitis (rhinosinusitis), a common inflammatory condition of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, often associated with impaired sinus drainage and mucociliary dysfunction. We discuss important risk factors, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, smoking, immunodeficiency, and structural abnormalities, along with the cl...

In this episode, we review rhinitis, a common inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa that includes allergic, nonallergic (vasomotor), and infectious etiologies. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology, including IgE-mediated allergic responses, autonomic dysfunction, and viral infections, along with the classic presentation of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and nasal itching. The se...

In this episode, we review epistaxis, a frequent ENT complaint ranging from minor self-limiting bleeding to potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. We discuss important risk factors, including nasal trauma, dry air, hypertension, coagulopathies, and anticoagulant use, along with the anatomical differences between anterior bleeding from Kiesselbach's plexus and posterior bleeding associated with W...

In this episode, we review nasal polyps, benign inflammatory growths of the sinonasal mucosa commonly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). We discuss the underlying inflammatory mechanisms, including Type 2 inflammation and Samter's triad, along with the classic presentation of progressive nasal obstruction, congesti...

In this episode, we review acute pharyngitis, a common inflammatory condition of the throat most frequently caused by viral infections, with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) representing the leading bacterial cause. We discuss important risk factors and the classic presentation of sore throat, fever, painful swallowing, tonsillar exudates, and tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, along with clinic...

In this episode, we review retinal detachment, a vision-threatening ophthalmologic emergency caused by separation of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, potentially resulting in retinal ischemia and permanent vision loss. We discuss the major mechanisms of retinal detachment, including retinal tears, vitreoretinal traction, and fluid accumulation, along with important risk f...

In this episode, we review acute otitis media (AOM), one of the most common pediatric ear infections, typically developing after a viral upper respiratory infection causes Eustachian tube dysfunction and fluid accumulation in the middle ear. We discuss the most common bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, along with the classic...

In this episode, we review acute otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, an inflammatory infection of the external auditory canal most frequently caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. We discuss important risk factors, including water exposure, trauma from cotton swabs, hearing aids, and underlying dermatologic conditions, along with the classic presentation of ear p...

In this episode, we review hordeolum, commonly known as a stye, an acute inflammatory infection of the eyelid glands most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We discuss important risk factors, including poor eyelid hygiene, underlying inflammatory eyelid conditions, stress, and hormonal changes, along with the classic presentation of a red, painful, tender, and localized swelling along the...

In this episode, we review orbital cellulitis, a serious, potentially vision-threatening bacterial infection involving the tissues posterior to the orbital septum, most commonly resulting from the spread of paranasal sinus infections. We discuss important risk factors, common bacterial pathogens, and the classic presentation of fever, eyelid swelling, proptosis, painful or restricted extraocular m...

In this episode, we review chalazion, a common, benign eyelid lesion caused by obstruction of the meibomian glands, resulting in retained lipid secretions and localized inflammation. We discuss important risk factors, including blepharitis, rosacea, dry eye, and smoking, along with the classic presentation of a painless, firm, well-circumscribed eyelid nodule that develops gradually over days to w...

In this episode, we review sialadenitis, an inflammatory condition of the salivary glands caused by bacterial or viral infections, ductal obstruction, or autoimmune disorders. We discuss important risk factors, including dehydration, reduced salivary flow, salivary stones, and medications that decrease saliva production, along with the classic presentation of painful glandular swelling, tenderness...

In this episode, we review preseptal cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum, most commonly associated with sinusitis, local skin trauma, or adjacent infections. We discuss the classic presentation of eyelid swelling, erythema, tenderness, and occasional fever, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing preseptal cellulitis from the more serious orbit...

In this episode, we review cholesteatoma, a benign but locally destructive accumulation of keratinizing squamous epithelium within the middle ear or mastoid, commonly associated with chronic otitis media, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and tympanic membrane perforation. We discuss the classic presentation of persistent otorrhea, conductive hearing loss, ear fullness, tinnitus, and a characteristic w...

In this episode, we review Ménière disease, a chronic inner ear disorder associated with abnormal accumulation of endolymphatic fluid, resulting in episodic disturbances of hearing and balance. We discuss the classic triad of episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss, along with associated symptoms such as aural fullness, nausea, and vomiting. The segment also covers the diagnosti...

In this episode, we review hyphema, an accumulation of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, most commonly resulting from blunt or penetrating ocular trauma. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology, important risk factors, and the classic presentation of eye pain, blurred vision, photophobia, and visible blood layering in the anterior chamber, along with the importance of ruling out globe ru...

In this episode, we review glaucoma, a group of ocular disorders characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, and a leading cause of irreversible blindness. We discuss the important differences between open-angle glaucoma, which typically presents with gradual peripheral vision loss, and acute angle-closure glaucoma, which can cause sudden s...

In this episode, we review epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition of the epiglottis and surrounding structures that can rapidly progress to upper airway obstruction. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology, including its association with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), along with the classic presentation of fever, severe sore throat, drooling, stridor, muffled "...

In this episode, we review aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, a frequent cause of painful oral lesions characterized by shallow ulcerations with an erythematous border and yellow-gray center. We discuss important contributing factors, including local trauma, stress, immune dysregulation, and nutritional deficiencies, along with associations with systemic conditions such as celiac dis...