Advantages of spirometry to differentiate asthma from COPD
Asthma and COPD are clearly differentiated… on paper. But in real life, diagnosing one or the other isn’t as straightforward as the books say. It is very common for patients to present symptoms that are very common in both diseases. The study “Diagnostic differentiation between asthma and COPD in primary care using lung function testing” […]
Relationship between decline in lung function and cardiovascular risk
By América Torres Photo Lifestyle memory / Freepik The decline in lung function begins around the age of 25: an annual FEV1 drop between 25 and 30 ml is considered normal. Among influencing factors we can include smoking, environmental and behavioral factors and genetics. While this is a well-known predictor of COPD and is associated […]
2022 GOLD Report, a summary
By América Torres Photo Freepik We have prepared for you a summary of some of the key changes in the 2022 GOLD Report "Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease”. As you know, this document is reviewed annually and it is very extensive, so we have selected some of […]
Advantages of spirometry to treat asthma: Why? When? How?
Although spirometry has proven to be very useful for researching and keeping under control chronic diseases, such as asthma, this diagnostic tool is underutilized in many countries. In this article we will highlight some of the many advantages of performing spirometry tests in patients with asthma. Along this text we will answer briefly the questions […]
Impact of COVID-19 on the fight against tuberculosis
The COVID-19 pandemic garnered attention of health matters, which alarmingly reversed the progress that had been made in providing essential services to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis. COVID-19 is a disease that aggravates the condition of patients with other comorbidities and, of course, tuberculosis is one of them. The coronavirus reactivates latent tuberculosis and exacerbates […]
Risks of underestimating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in primary care
By Claudio López Bruzual MD The use of clinical signs as a sole guide to assess the severity of respiratory conditions is very limited. This study shows that performing spirometry whenever patients report dyspnea makes a big difference in clinical outcomes. Photo: Freepik Approximately 1-4% of primary care office visits are due to dyspnea. […]
Gender-related cardiovascular health disparities in patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
A novel study shows the worrying differences, sex-related, to care, follow-up, and adherence to treatment, in patients with Atherosclerotic Disease. By Claudio López Bruzual MD Foto: Freepik Case study in patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, health care system–based study with patients, across the USA, who have been enrolled in the […]
How to choose the best EKG for your needs
Author América Torres When deciding to invest in an electrocardiograph, the first step is, of course, obtaining one that is manufactured by a reliable, well-known, reputable company. Whether you are getting an EKG for the first time, or you want to replace an outdated device, there are some aspects you must consider to make a […]
Neurological compromise of COVID-19: anosmia and dysgeusia
By Claudio López Bruzual, MD Taste and smell are two of the most complex sensory systems that human beings possess. Their function is not limited to mere physiology, but they are so intimately linked to memory that they are able to evoke sensations and memories. As we know, this is possible thanks to the phylogenetic […]
When are FEV1 and FVC maneuvers acceptable?
Adapted by Claudio López Bruzual, MD. Performing tests that meet the criteria indicated by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) allows adequate patient care. It never hurts to recall the matters that we already take for granted in practice, we shall now give a brief review of what the before mentioned association considers acceptable. Acceptability criteria […]