Specialty hub
Pulmonology - Diseases & USMLE MCQs
8 clinical summaries in pulmonology - each with pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, management, high-yield pearls, sample USMLE MCQs and an illustration from our medical library. Free to read, no login.
Asbestosis
Chronic interstitial fibrosis from prolonged asbestos inhalation, typically after 20-30 years latency. Marked by lower-lobe fibrosis, pleural plaques and elevated risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Reviewed 24 Jul 2026
Asthma
Chronic Th2-driven airway inflammation with reversible bronchoconstriction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and mucus hypersecretion. Diagnosed by episodic wheeze plus reversible obstruction on spirometry.
Reviewed 15 Jul 2026
Bronchiectasis
Irreversible bronchial dilatation from chronic infection/inflammation. Presents with daily productive cough, recurrent infections and haemoptysis.
Reviewed 3 Jul 2026
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Progressive, largely irreversible airflow limitation from chronic bronchitis and emphysema, driven predominantly by cigarette smoke. Bronchodilators, smoking cessation, oxygen and vaccination alter its course.
Reviewed 25 May 2026
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Acute infection of the lung parenchyma acquired outside hospital. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause. CURB-65 or PSI guides site of care.
Reviewed 12 Jul 2026
Cystic Fibrosis
Autosomal recessive disease of the CFTR chloride channel causing thick secretions, chronic sinopulmonary infection, pancreatic insufficiency and infertility. Median survival now exceeds 50 years on CFTR modulator therapy.
Reviewed 15 May 2026
Pneumothorax
Air in the pleural space causes ipsilateral lung collapse. Tension pneumothorax is life-threatening and treated clinically with immediate needle decompression.
Reviewed 12 Jul 2026
Pulmonary Embolism
Occlusion of pulmonary arteries, most often by DVT-derived thrombus. Presents with sudden dyspnoea, pleuritic pain and hypoxaemia. CTPA is the diagnostic test of choice.
Reviewed 30 Jun 2026
Practice pulmonology MCQs free
Sample MCQs from every disease, timed mock exams and AI explanations - free 7-day trial.
Start free trial