Diseases of the lungs, bronchi and pleura (pulmonology)

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural cavity, which leads to partial or complete collapse of the lung. Pneumothorax can develop spontaneously or in the context of existing lung diseases, injuries, or medical procedures. Diagnosis of pneumothorax is based on physical examination and chest X-ray.

Pneumomediastinum

Pneumomediastinum is the presence of air in the mediastinum. The three main causes of pneumomediastinum are alveolar rupture with air leaking into the mediastinum, esophageal perforation, and gastric or intestinal rupture with air leaking from the neck or abdomen into the mediastinum.

Pleural fibrosis and calcinosis

Pleural fibrosis and calcification are usually benign complications of pleural inflammation or asbestos exposure. Pleural fibrosis and calcification may be postinflammatory or related to asbestos exposure.

Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. Effusions can have a variety of causes, so they are usually classified as transudates or exudates. They are identified by physical examination and chest radiography; thoracentesis followed by examination of the pleural fluid can often determine the cause of the effusion.

Mediastinitis

Mediastinitis is an inflammatory process in the organs of the mediastinum, which often leads to compression of blood vessels and nerves. In the clinic, all inflammatory processes that in clinical practice most often cause mediastinal syndrome, including traumatic injuries, are interpreted by the term "mediastinitis".

Voluminous masses of the mediastinum

Volumetric lesions of the mediastinum are represented by various cysts and tumors; their probable causes depend on the patient's age and the localization of the formation in the anterior, middle or posterior mediastinum.

Pulmonary-renal syndrome

Pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS) is a combination of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis.

Pulmonary hemorrhage

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage syndrome is persistent or recurrent pulmonary hemorrhage.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is hypoxemia caused by vasodilation in patients with portal hypertension; dyspnea and hypoxemia are worse in the upright position.

Lung lesions caused by inhalation of toxic substances

The effect of inhalation of toxic gases depends on the intensity and duration of exposure and the type of irritant. Toxic effects primarily damage the respiratory tract, causing tracheitis, bronchitis and bronchiolitis.