ER physician reports on common ailments and conditions.

Mayo Clinic’s AI tools help predict severe asthma risks in young children https://lnkd.in/gEM8en59 ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic researchers have developed artificial intelligence (AI) tools that help identify which children with asthma face the highest risk of serious asthma exacerbation and acute respiratory infections. The study, published in [...]

🟣 𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 🟣 Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a sudden infection of the middle ear, characterized by inflammation and fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. It is one of the most common pediatric infections, particularly affecting children between 6 months and 3 years of age. ▪️ Causes AOM is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections that follow an upper respiratory infection: 1️⃣ Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis 2️⃣ Viruses: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, adenovirus Symptoms ✔️ Ear Pain (otalgia) – often worse when lying down ✔️ Fever – may range from mild to high ✔️ Irritability or fussiness – especially in infants ✔️ Hearing difficulty – due to fluid in the middle ear ✔️ Otorrhea – fluid or pus draining if the eardrum ruptures ✔️ Other signs: Poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or sleep disturbances ▪️ Diagnosis ✅ Otoscopy: Shows a bulging, red eardrum with reduced mobility. ✅ Pneumatic otoscopy or tympanometry: Confirms fluid in the middle ear. ✅ Clinical history: Recent upper respiratory infection, sudden onset of pain, and fever. ▪️ Treatment ✔️ Observation (Watchful Waiting): For children older than 2 years with mild symptoms, sometimes AOM resolves spontaneously. ✔️ Antibiotics: Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for bacterial AOM. Duration: Typically 5–10 days, depending on age and severity. ✔️ Pain Management: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever. ✔️ Surgical Intervention (for recurrent cases): Myringotomy with tympanostomy tubes may be considered for children with repeated infections or persistent fluid. ▪️ Prevention ✅ Vaccinations: Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines ✅ Avoiding secondhand smoke ✅ Breastfeeding for at least 6 months ✅ Minimizing exposure to respiratory infections in daycare or crowded settings . . . . . #AcuteOtitisMedia #Bacteria #Viruses #Otoscopy #Inflammation #FluidAccumulation

😷 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) 🔹 What is it? Pertussis = highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. Caused by Bordetella pertussis 🦠 → produces toxins → damages airway lining → leads to severe, paroxysmal cough followed by a characteristic “whoop” sound 🐦 when child breathes in. ⸻ 🔹 Who Gets It? 👶👧 • Mainly affects infants & young children (most dangerous <1 year). • Adults can also get mild infection → spread to children. • Vaccine-preventable disease 💉. ⸻ 🔹 Stages of Pertussis ⏳ 1. Catarrhal Stage (1–2 weeks) 🌧️ • Looks like common cold 🤧: runny nose, mild cough, sneezing, low fever. • Most infectious stage ⚠️. 2. Paroxysmal Stage (2–6 weeks) ⏱️ • Severe, repeated coughing fits 😫. • “Whooping” sound 🐦 when inhaling after cough. • Post-tussive vomiting 🤮. • Cyanosis (blue lips) 😨. • Exhaustion after cough 🛌. 3. Convalescent Stage (weeks to months) 🌤️ • Gradual recovery. • Cough decreases but may persist for months. • Relapses possible with another infection. ⸻ 🔹 Symptoms 🚨 • Prolonged cough >2 weeks 🕑 • Series of rapid coughs → “whoop” sound 🐦 • Vomiting after cough 🤮 • Apnea (in infants) 😮💨 • Fatigue & weight loss ⚖️⬇️ ⸻ 🔹 Complications ⚡ • Pneumonia 🫁 • Seizures/encephalopathy 🧠 (due to hypoxia) • Rib fractures 💥 (from violent coughing) • Death in severe infant cases ☠️ ⸻ 🔹 Diagnosis 🔍 • Clinical history (prolonged cough + whoop + vomiting). • Lab tests: Nasopharyngeal swab for PCR/culture. • Blood: High lymphocyte count 🩸. ⸻ 🔹 Treatment 💊 • Antibiotics (Macrolides): Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin. 👉 Works best if started in catarrhal stage. • Supportive care: • Oxygen 🫁 if cyanosis. • IV fluids 💧 if dehydration from vomiting. • Nutrition support 🍲. • Severe infants → ICU care 🏥. ⸻ 🔹 Prevention 🛡️ • DTP / DTaP / Tdap vaccines 💉 → very effective. • Booster doses for adolescents & adults. • Cocooning strategy: Vaccinate parents/caregivers to protect infants 👨👩👧. ⸻ ✅ Quick Emoji Memory Trick 🦠 Bacteria → 🤧 Cold-like → 😫 Severe cough → 🐦 “Whoop” → 🤮 Vomit → 💉 Vaccine prevention

ENMs in Rodent Models of Allergic Lung Disease 🌬️ When nanomaterials meet a sensitised lung. This chapter examines allergic airway responses to nanomaterials in rodent models—offering clues for human respiratory health risks. James C Bonner

Far-UV at 222 nm disrupts common allergens and could ease asthma triggers Far-UV radiation demonstrates a 25% reduction in airborne allergens, highlighting its promise for enhancing indoor air quality for asthma patients. via News Medical Device / Technology News Feed

The Kent and Medway Respiratory Disease Network conference took place last Saturday at the Mercure Hotel near Maidstone. Trust acute physicians contributed to the programme with presentations by Dr Sanjay Sharma on bronchiectasis and Dr Leman Mutlu on asthma and allergies. Dr Sharma runs the bronchiectasis monthly MDT, providing support for acute care and community care of bronchiectasis across the county. The new asthma management guidelines were extensively discussed and noted the significant changes in management of asthma, a condition that affects six per cent of the UK population. The conference was chaired by Dr Helen Ramsey and Dr Neil Banik, GPs with special role in respiratory disease.

♦Intravenous furosemide in shock with volume overload Whether intravenous furosemide (a loop diuretic) can be used in a patient with shock + volume overload depends on the type of shock and the hemodynamic profile: 🔹 General principles Shock states are usually associated with low tissue perfusion and hypotension. Giving diuretics in shock may worsen hypotension and decrease organ perfusion unless the patient is carefully selected. In shock, the first priority is hemodynamic stabilization (fluids, vasopressors, inotropes depending on cause). 🔹 Scenarios 1. Cardiogenic shock with volume overload (e.g., acute decompensated HF, pulmonary edema) Furosemide can be used, but only after adequate perfusion pressure is restored with vasopressors/inotropes (e.g., norepinephrine, dobutamine). If systolic BP is very low (<90 mmHg), avoid furosemide initially as it can worsen hypotension. Once stabilized, loop diuretics help relieve pulmonary congestion and reduce preload. Ultrafiltration or renal replacement therapy may be considered if diuretics are ineffective. 2. Distributive or septic shock with fluid overload The priority is vasopressor support and infection source control. Furosemide may be used cautiously if patient is fluid-overloaded and perfusion pressure is supported by norepinephrine/vasopressin. 3. Hypovolemic shock Never give furosemide—it will worsen hypovolemia and shock. ★Practical approach Correct shock first (maintain MAP ≥ 65 mmHg with fluids/vasopressors). If patient remains congested (pulmonary edema, high CVP, poor oxygenation), then give IV furosemide carefully, often in small test doses, while monitoring: BP, urine output Renal function Electrolytes ★ Summary: IV furosemide can be given in shock with volume overload, but only after hemodynamic stabilization (adequate MAP with vasopressors/inotropes). In uncompensated or hypovolemic shock, it is contraindicated. : DR.YASSER ALWALI

Emerging, challenging, and critical: Thyroid eye disease is one of the newest frontiers in Ora’s portfolio. The challenge: TED’s wide-ranging symptoms and variable progression make consistent endpoints and reliable measurements tough to achieve. Our approach: Ora combines deep ophthalmic trial expertise with rigorous imaging, clinical assessments, and standardised protocols to bring clarity to this complex indication. By partnering closely with investigators and sponsors, we help accelerate therapies that improve outcomes for patients living with TED. From our roots in ocular allergy to emerging indications like TED, Ora continues to lead with innovation and patient focus. #IndicationSpotlight #ThyroidEyeDisease #OphthalmologyResearch #ClinicalTrials #TeamOra

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, causing infection in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Here's what you need to know: *Symptoms:* - Painful urination (burning sensation) - Frequent urination - Cloudy or strong-smelling urine - Pelvic pain or pressure - Fever, chills, and nausea (if the infection spreads to the kidneys) *Causes and Risk Factors:* - Bacteria (E. coli is the most common cause) - Poor hygiene practices - Sexual activity - Urinary retention due to stones or obstruction - Use of catheters - Weakened immune system - Female anatomy (shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder) *Treatment:* - Antibiotics ( Nitrofurantoin, Sulfonamides, Amoxicillin, Cephalosporins) - Pain relief medications (Phenazopyridine) - Staying hydrated to help flush out bacteria - Completing the full course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence *Prevention:* - Practicing good hygiene (wiping front to back, washing hands) - Drinking plenty of water - Avoiding bladder irritants (alcohol, caffeine) - Urinating when needed (don't hold it in) - Considering dietary changes (cranberry products may help prevent UTIs) *Complications:* - Repeated infections - Permanent kidney damage - Sepsis (life-threatening inflammation) - Narrowed urethra (in men)¹ ² ³ If you suspect you have a UTI, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may perform a urinalysis or urine culture to confirm the infection.

📖 Address the silent gaps in cystitis and UTI prevention! A new international study reveals widespread misconceptions about urinary tract infections, particularly among women and young adults, highlighting the urgent need for education and awareness. 🔗 Read full article: https://ow.ly/4Oou50X1Xln 🌍 Key findings show that many adults misunderstand prevention strategies—like proper hydration, hygiene, and post-coital urination—and 17% wrongly believe antibiotics can prevent infections. Rising antibiotic resistance adds to the challenge, making judicious treatment critical. 💡 This resource is essential for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals aiming to improve patient outcomes, guide preventive care, and reduce complications. Stay informed to help your patients manage UTIs safely and effectively. Credit: European Association of Urology #UTIprevention #womenhealth #UrologyCME #HCPs #meddicalresearch #UTI #antibioticresistance #EAU #eMedEvents #emednews