Ultrasound Diagnosis of Tracheal Wall ThickeninG
When people think of sonography their immediate thoughts are that of obstetrics and gynecologic examinations. However, like other diagnostic procedures, sonography caters to different organ systems and areas of the body – from cardiovascular to neurologic diagnostics. More and more studies have even revealed the merit in using high-frequency sonography. Sonography is becoming one of the fastest growing procedures in terms of employment and demand all over the US.
Point-of-care ultrasonography (US)
Point-of-care ultrasonography (US) is used in emergency situations, characterized by rapid diagnostic assessment of critically ill or injured patients. This procedure is used particularly with airway assessment and management (emergency), critical care, and anesthetic settings. The first study on the use of US on smoke-inhalation injuries was conducted in 2014, where a patient with suspected smoke-inhalation injuries was brought to the emergency room. |
The gold standard for diagnosing the effects of smoke-inhalation is still fibreoptic bronchoscopy, however, this procedure might not be immediately available, increasing the time between diagnosis and management of the patient. US, on the other hand, is easily available, and can immediately detect tracheal stenosis (hardening or thickening) after evaluating the patient’s larynx. Management immediately followed this detection, improving patient outcome and decreasing costs.
Because this pilot study showed very favorable results for point-of-care ultrasound, further studies on the diagnosis of other pathologic conditions due to smoke-inhalation and technological upgrades on sonography machines can now be performed. Looking at a list of accredited ultrasound technician schools by state and by city in 2015 will show you how the ever expanding sonography practice has affected the curricula of different schools in the country.
The dangers of smoke inhalation
Smoke inhalation is commonly seen in cases where fire is involved – such as burning buildings or vehicles. This particular concept is very dangerous to humans because of one thing: it is often overlooked. While burns and other physical injuries from fires are easy to assess with one look at a patient, the effects of smoke inhalation are a different case altogether. As the term suggests, smoke inhalation causes damage when smoke it inhaled by the body through the mouth or nose.
Inhaling smoke usually causes soot (ash) to stick to the mucosal membranes of the nose, mouse, and throat; if the attending physician or nurse is unable to properly assess these areas, even with knowing that the patient was in a fire, it can cause respiratory and renal failure, ending in multi-organ failure and death.
The CAAHEP has now accredited more than 200 schools in the US that have accredited ultrasound technician programs. These ultrasound schools cover the latest skill and technological updates in the field, including preparing for certification and eventual practice of sonography. Check if your requirements are up-to-date through the ARDMS or CCI website.
Because this pilot study showed very favorable results for point-of-care ultrasound, further studies on the diagnosis of other pathologic conditions due to smoke-inhalation and technological upgrades on sonography machines can now be performed. Looking at a list of accredited ultrasound technician schools by state and by city in 2015 will show you how the ever expanding sonography practice has affected the curricula of different schools in the country.
The dangers of smoke inhalation
Smoke inhalation is commonly seen in cases where fire is involved – such as burning buildings or vehicles. This particular concept is very dangerous to humans because of one thing: it is often overlooked. While burns and other physical injuries from fires are easy to assess with one look at a patient, the effects of smoke inhalation are a different case altogether. As the term suggests, smoke inhalation causes damage when smoke it inhaled by the body through the mouth or nose.
Inhaling smoke usually causes soot (ash) to stick to the mucosal membranes of the nose, mouse, and throat; if the attending physician or nurse is unable to properly assess these areas, even with knowing that the patient was in a fire, it can cause respiratory and renal failure, ending in multi-organ failure and death.
The CAAHEP has now accredited more than 200 schools in the US that have accredited ultrasound technician programs. These ultrasound schools cover the latest skill and technological updates in the field, including preparing for certification and eventual practice of sonography. Check if your requirements are up-to-date through the ARDMS or CCI website.