Rhonchi

Kind of a scary article:

Misdiagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism Found Frequent and Harmful – CME Teaching Brief – MedPage Today

Despite evidence-based guidelines, diagnostic mismanagement of a suspected pulmonary embolism is common and harmful, according to French researchers.
Two large studies reported in the Feb. 7 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine alerted physicians to a serious diagnostic problem involving a suspected pulmonary embolism and suggested a method of providing less subjective diagnoses for these patients.

South Bend Tribune: Surfers inspire new cystic fibrosis treatment

Hypertonic saline treatment was inspired by some surfers in Australia who, like Devon, also have CF.

They told their doctors that what made them feel especially good was a day on the ocean waves.

Researchers down under and also at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill put the surfers’ tale to the test.

With backing from the U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, they had a group of CF patients inhale 7 percent saline solution twice daily for a year while a control group inhaled normal saline.

Those receiving salty mist had improved lung function and, more importantly, fewer serious lung infections requiring hospitalization.

Pulmonary symptoms and function decline slightly after combined chemotherapy and chest radiotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and remain stable for five to 15 years, according to a report in the November issue of Chest.

“Patients with limited stage SCLC have potentially curable disease with only a small decrement in their lung function that remains stable over a long period of time,” Dr. Janet N. Myers from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland told Reuters Health. “Physicians should not have a great deal of angst about treating these patients for fear of long term complications.”

Vail Daily News for Vail and Beaver Creek Colorado – News

In Denver, a respiratory therapist suggested a blood test. A positive result would explain everything. And what if it is? Canada wanted to know. What is the cure?”There is no cure,” replied the therapist. “Only a lung transplant.”

Dean Canada is among an estimated 100,000 Americans who were dealt a pair of bad cards, two corrupted genes that produce a condition called Alpha One Antitrypsen Deficiency.

This disorder causes the livers of its victims to work improperly. The liver prevents the release of a protein needed for healthy functioning of the lungs. Most victims begin suffering when they are 39 or 40.

More at http://www.alphaone.org/