Respiratory Exchange

Dr. David Lang, chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Department for Allergy and Immunology, updates us on methods allergists may use to challenge self-reported penicillin allergy, desensitize patients who have a documented aspirin allergy and current testing for vaccine allergies.

Dr. Rachel Taliercio, founder and director of the Chronic Cough Clinic, talks about the four main causes of chronic cough: upper airway cough syndrome, cough variant asthma, non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis and GERD. In addition, she discusses the value of really listening to patients and the importance of using guideline-based therapies. Dr. Taliercio also covers cough hypersensitivity syndrome and new developments on the treatment horizon in the areas of medication and therapies.

Dr. Hassan Khouli, chairman of Cleveland Clinic’s Critical Care Medicine Department, covers aspects of this young, evolving field, from expanding the ICU team to include pharmacists and nutritionists, to the trend in creating sub-specialized medical ICUs. Dr. Khouli also discusses the movement toward non-invasive technologies, using data to minimize over-testing and the value of engaging families to participate in the goals of care.

Dr. Kristin Englund, founder and director of Cleveland Clinic’s post-COVID reCOVer Clinic, discusses the increasing impact of long COVID on patients and healthcare. Learn about the growing list of disease symptoms, the effect on multiple organs and which patients are more at risk for long COVID. Dr. Englund discusses the reCOVer Clinic and the development of multiple care paths and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment for long COVID patients.

Dr. Steven Gordon, chairman of Cleveland Clinic’s Infectious Disease Department, discusses how the COVID-19 pathogen has taught us numerous lessons connected to preparedness for dealing with future emerging pathogens. Dr. Gordon covers the need to develop supply chain resiliency and redundancy, and to move from a “just in time” supply mentality to one of “just in case.” He also talks about using big data, mask wearing and PPE, as well as the intersection of clinical trials and treatment and the pressure to act quickly versus acting based on scientific evidence.