Charles S. Dela Cruz

What every physician needs to know: Asbestos-related pulmonary disorders consist of a group of malignant and benign inflammatory-fibrotic disorders associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. The term “asbestos” refers to a group of six hydrated magnesium silicate minerals. Since asbestos is almost indestructible and it is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and does not…

What every physician needs to know: Pneumonia is inflammation and consolidation of lung tissue due to an infectious agent. It is the 8th leading cause of death in the US and it causes the highest morbidity and mortality at the extremes of age. The Infectious Disease Society of America and American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) guidelines…

What every physician needs to know: Respiratory tract infections are major contributors to morbidity, mortality, and economic burden throughout the world. Upper respiratory tract infections account for the majority of the infections, including conditions like “the common cold”, sinusitis, epiglottitis, croup, and pharyngitis. Most of these upper respiratory tract infections are usually mild and self-limiting…

What every physician needs to know: COPD is a common heterogeneous disorder, affecting nearly 15.7 million Americans (6.4%) and is currently the third leading cause of death in the US. The actual prevalence of COPD is likely even higher, as >50% of adults with low pulmonary function were unaware that they had COPD. COPD is…

What every physician needs to know: Tuberculosis is an infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also involve nearly every organ system in the body. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing microorganism that is characteristically acid-fast; that is, it resists decolonization by acid after it has been stained. The microorganisms that cause…