Welcome back to the EM Educator series! This week we focus on the sick asthmatic.

We assess and manage patients with asthma exacerbation frequently, but the specific trigger may not be readily apparent. What are some sneaky triggers of asthma exacerbation?

This EM Educator evaluates aspiration pneumonitis vs. pneumonia and the diagnosis and management of ARDS.

COPD exacerbations can be triggered by a variety of conditions. What are some sneaky triggers?

A 55-year-old male presents with shortness of breath, cough, and blood-tinged sputum. He states that he has been fighting off a cold over the past week, but noticed increasing cough over the past several hours, sometimes tinged with blood. He denies any other symptoms, appears well, and has a normal pulmonary, cardiovascular, and extremity exam. What are your next steps?

How do you diagnose and manage the patient with a lung abscess? This post from Mark Ramzy looks at the ED evaluation and management of a patient with lung abscess, with pearls and pitfalls.

Pneumomediastinum... Where is the air coming from? Who do you consult? Are antibiotics and/or surgery needed?

Welcome back to the EM Boards Survival Guide. This series provides you with regular tips and must-know items for EM boards and inservice. Today we look at Pulmonary.