Pulmonology Exam Review: Infectious, Neoplastic, Obstructive, and Restrictive Diseases for Physician Assistants

Get exam-ready with this high-yield podcast summary of key pulmonary conditions from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This review covers essential infectious, neoplastic, obstructive, and restrictive lung diseases—providing physician assistants with the must-know facts for certification and clinical success.

Watch the video above for an in-depth audio-visual review, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more exam-focused summaries and study guides.

Infectious Pulmonary Diseases

• Pneumonia: Infection of lung alveoli or interstitium, most often bacterial (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae), but also viral or fungal. Diagnosed by CXR and clinical findings; treated with antibiotics and supportive care.
• Tuberculosis (TB): Mycobacterium tuberculosis; requires multi-drug therapy, diagnosed via skin testing, CXR, and sputum analysis.
• Acute Bronchitis & Bronchiolitis: Viral infections, especially common in children, presenting with cough and sometimes wheezing.
• Acute Epiglottitis & Croup: Life-threatening upper airway infections in children; epiglottitis is a true emergency, croup presents with a “barking” cough.

Neoplastic Pulmonary Diseases

• Bronchogenic Carcinoma: Leading cause of cancer death. Types: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Presentation includes cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss. Management is based on type and stage.
• Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: Detected by imaging; management depends on malignancy risk and clinical follow-up.
• Carcinoid Tumors: Rare, typically low-grade malignancies. Can cause wheezing, hemoptysis, or recurrent infections.

Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

• Asthma: Chronic airway inflammation, reversible bronchospasm. Managed with bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and trigger avoidance.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, commonly due to smoking. Symptoms: dyspnea, chronic cough, sputum production.
• Bronchiectasis: Permanent airway dilation leading to productive cough, recurrent infections, and sometimes hemoptysis.

Restrictive and Other Pulmonary Diseases

• Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic disorder affecting chloride channels, leading to thick secretions and recurrent lung infections.
• Pleural Effusion & Pneumothorax: Fluid (effusion) or air (pneumothorax) in pleural space, causing dyspnea and sometimes respiratory distress; both may require drainage.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Blockage in the pulmonary artery—presents with acute dyspnea, chest pain, hypoxemia, and can be life-threatening.
• Sarcoidosis & Pneumoconioses: Granulomatous and fibrotic lung diseases, often diagnosed by imaging and biopsy.
• ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome): Severe, diffuse lung injury leading to hypoxemia and respiratory failure; requires intensive care.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Alveoli: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
• Bronchioles: Smallest airways in the lungs.
• CXR: Chest X-ray, a primary imaging tool.
• CT Scan: Advanced imaging to visualize lung structures and tumors.
• Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood.
• Dyspnea: Shortness of breath.
• Pneumothorax: Air in the pleural space, causing lung collapse.
• Hypoxemia: Low oxygen in the blood.

Conclusion: Pulmonology Exam Success Tips

To succeed on your physician assistant exams, focus on mastering the diagnosis, management, and unique presentations of pulmonary diseases—especially life-threatening emergencies and conditions with overlapping symptoms. Regular review of key imaging findings, treatment algorithms, and terminology will reinforce your clinical knowledge.

For a full audio-visual walkthrough, watch the podcast summary and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more comprehensive exam prep and clinical study guides.

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