Respiratory Pathology: Basic Principles with Carlo Raj

Von Carlo Raj, MD

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Respiratory pathology refers to the study of diseases that affect the airway and lungs. These include infectious diseases, interstitial lung diseases, airway diseases, lung cancer, vascular diseases such as pulmonary embolism, and diseases of the pleura such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax.

In this course, the student will be introduced to the most important respiratory symptoms and their diagnostic workup, the most common diagnostic methods for respiratory pathologies, and the pathophysiologies of respiratory failure, restrictive and obstructive pulmonary diseases, occupational lung diseases, pulmonary circulation diseases, and lung cancer. Critical respiratory care will also be discussed.

For optimal comprehension, the student is 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, the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, and the 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 physician and nurse should be able to understand basic disease characteristics to address a patient’s needs and place them in the correct referral pathway (e.g., severe cases of asthma).