Emergency

Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space, causing partial or complete lung collapse. It can be life-threatening, especially if it progresses to tension pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumothorax is common in tall, thin males or those with underlying lung disease, while traumatic pneumothorax results from blunt or penetrating chest injuries. Diagnosis is confirmed by chest X-ray or ultrasound. Management includes needle decompression for tension pneumothorax and chest tube insertion for larger collapses. Prevention involves avoiding smoking and controlling lung conditions.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is the acute loss of blood from the digestive tract and can be life-threatening if severe. Upper GI bleeding often results from peptic ulcers, esophagitis, or varices, while lower GI bleeding may be caused by diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, malignancy, or angiodysplasia. Diagnosis involves blood tests, endoscopy, and sometimes nasogastric aspirate. Management includes stabilizing the patient with fluids or transfusions and treating the source endoscopically or surgically. Preventive measures include ulcer management, avoiding NSAIDs, and prophylactic variceal treatment.

24-hour Holter monitoring continuously records the heart’s electrical activity over a full day to detect intermittent rhythm abnormalities that may not appear during a routine ECG. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) measures blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours, including during sleep, providing a true picture of daily BP variations. Together, these tests help diagnose arrhythmias, unexplained symptoms, masked or nocturnal hypertension, and assess treatment effectiveness with greater accuracy than single readings.

Acute appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, commonly presenting with sudden, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It is one of the most frequent surgical emergencies and, if untreated, can lead to appendix perforation and life-threatening peritonitis. The standard treatment is surgical removal of the inflamed appendix, either through a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach or traditional open surgery. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, blood tests, and imaging when necessary. Prompt intervention ensures quicker recovery, reduces complications, and prevents severe infections. Post-surgery care involves pain management, wound monitoring, and gradual return to normal activities.