Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study of diseases affecting the lungs. These conditions include infectious diseases, interstitial lung diseases, airway diseases, and lung cancer; vascular diseases such as pulmonary embolism; and diseases of the pleura such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax.
In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of each group of diseases. For optimal comprehension, they are expected to have a prior understanding of cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology and know the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Moreover, a basic understanding of the structure and general classification of bacteria and viruses, mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, and pathophysiology of malignancy would be helpful.
Acute pulmonary infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis are commonly encountered in the emergency room. Prompt diagnosis and management can considerably improve the prognosis.
Chronic diseases of the lungs, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, continue to represent a considerable proportion of the total disease burden in the modern world, especially in Western countries. These conditions require long-term follow-up. As patients tend to change their healthcare providers often, a competent healthcare provider should be able to understand basic disease characteristics to address patient needs and place them in the correct referral pathway (e.g., severe cases of asthma).
Learning objectives
After the completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Describe respiratory anatomy and physiology.
- Evaluate respiratory system structure and function through physical examination.
- Interpret diagnostic tests and imaging studies for respiratory disorders.
- Differentiate infectious respiratory conditions and select appropriate treatments.
- Describe the difference between obstructive and restrictive airway diseases, and their adequate diagnosis and treatment.
- Analyze clinical features and management of interstitial lung diseases.
- Assess lung cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment options.
- Diagnose pulmonary vascular disorders and their complications.
- Evaluate pleural diseases through imaging and diagnostic procedures.
- Identify and manage respiratory emergencies across all disorder categories.
Course outline
- Anatomy and Physiology Review
- Physical Examination and Diagnostic Aids
- Infections of the Respiratory Tract
- Airway Diseases
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Lung Cancer
- Pulmonary Vascular Disease
- Pleural Disease
- Other Respiratory Disorders
