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ARDS: Overview
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening medical condition characterized by rapid-onset severe respiratory failure. It occurs when the lungs become severely inflamed, leading to fluid buildup in the air sacs, which impairs oxygen exchange. Common causes include infections, trauma, or inhaling harmful substances. Patients with ARDS often require mechanical ventilation in an intensive care setting to support their breathing and oxygenation. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
About the Speaker
Dr Shefali Sharma
Head & Assistant Director Department of Emergency Medicine & Trauma Center Tender Palm Superspeciality Hospital
Dr Shefali Sharma is a certified Emergency Medicine Consultant by Royal College of Emergency Medicine, London UK. She is also an overseas Consultant grade MRCEM examiner for Royal College London. She has more than 10 years of experience in managing Trauma & Acute Emergencies. She is currently designated as Head & Assistant Director, Department of Emergency Medicine & Trauma Center at Tender Palm Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow. Her area of expertise is development, standardization and streamlining of the Emergency Departments, ensuring safe & quality care is delivered to all patients.
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H. pylori Treatment with PYELRA®: Best Practices
PYLERA® is a medication used for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a common cause of stomach ulcers and gastritis. It contains a combination of three active ingredients: bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline. This combination works synergistically to eradicate H. pylori bacteria and reduce associated symptoms. Treatment with PYLERA® typically involves taking multiple capsules four times a day for a specified duration, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the treatment regimen as directed and to discuss potential side effects
Management of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, imaging studies (like high-resolution CT scans), pulmonary function tests, and sometimes lung biopsies. Treatment often involves medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (like azathioprine or mycophenolate), and antifibrotic drugs (such as pirfenidone or nintedanib) to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.Supplemental oxygen therapy is commonly prescribed to relieve shortness of breath and improve oxygen levels in the blood. This program combines exercise training, education, and breathing techniques to improve overall physical condition and quality of life. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis should receive vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered for eligible patients to improve survival and quality of life. Treatments like nutritional support, psychological counseling, and palliative care can provide comprehensive support and symptom management.
Alcoholic Hepatitis: Management Strategies
Management of alcoholic hepatitis involves a comprehensive approach aimed at halting disease progression, managing symptoms, and promoting liver recovery. The cornerstone of treatment involves complete alcohol cessation to prevent further liver damage and promote healing. Patients often have malnutrition, so nutritional therapy with a focus on adequate protein intake and vitamin supplementation is crucial. Corticosteroids like prednisolone may be prescribed in severe cases to reduce liver inflammation and improve survival rates. In severe cases unresponsive to medical therapy, liver transplantation may be considered, although strict criteria must be met. Diuretics may be used cautiously to manage ascites while monitoring for renal function. Prophylactic measures such as beta-blockers may be used to reduce the risk of variceal bleeding.