Pleural Diseases: Causes, Investigations, and Management
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Pleural diseases and investigations (RACP lecture) Introduction The pleural space contains 10-25 millilitres of fluid Created in the pleural capillaries and lymphatics, largely reabsorbed via the lymphatics of the parietal pleura > 3000 /million population develop pleural effusion each year There are 60 different causes of pleural effusions Left ventricular failure is the most common […]
Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Insights for Australian Health Professionals
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Overview of Combination Therapy in PAH Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, life-threatening disease that leads to right heart failure and reduced survival. Despite advancements in monotherapy, combination therapy has become the preferred approach in Australia, as supported by the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand (PHSANZ) guidelines. The AMBITION trial (Post-hoc […]
Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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What Is Shift Work Sleep Disorder? Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a condition that affects individuals working non-traditional hours, such as night shifts, rotating shifts, or early morning shifts. It disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to insomnia, excessive sleepiness, and long-term health issues. 🔹 Did you know? Around 10% of shift workers experience […]
Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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What Are Circadian Rhythm Disorders? Circadian rhythms are the body’s natural internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles over a 24-hour period. When these rhythms are disrupted, it can lead to circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs), affecting sleep quality and overall health. There are five primary types of circadian rhythm disorders: Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) […]
Insomnia
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Insomnia Definition Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting up to 40-50% of the population at any given time. It is a distressing difficulty with sleep onset, sleep maintenance, or waking up too early, where these “sleep times” take longer than 30 minutes. These symptoms need to occur at least three times or more per […]
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)- A multi system disease
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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)- A multi system disease Intermittent hypoxemia causes abnormal metabolic response OSA primarily affects the respiratory system during sleep by compromising upper airway and limiting air and oxygen flow into the lungs. Apnoea is defined as cessation of airflow for ≥ 10 seconds and hypopnoea is defined by a drop of ≥30% […]