The incidence of radiologically apparent Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (CWP) among 418 bituminous coal miners was 45.2%. The incidence rose as the number of years of underground work increased. Among 243 smoking miners CWP was noted in 54.7% individuals compared to 32% of 175 non-smoking miners. The prevalence of CWP was 1.7 times higher among smokers than non-smokers and it was statistically significant.

Trisodium phosphate solution was used as a decontaminant and as a transport medium for culturing of tubercle bacilli. A total of 450 sputum samples were cultured in this way and compared with the conventional Petroff’s method. In this technique the sputum deposits were not washed with distilled water and this new method was much simpler to perform, safer and more sensitive than the routine Petroff’s method. Trisodium phosphate solution offers an ideal transport medium to collect sample from far off places without any cold storage facilities and has a lower contamination rate.

Immediate effects of Pranayama (Rechaka-Puraka) on ventilatory functions in patients with moderate airways obstruction were studied and were compared with the response to that of Salbutamol aerosol. There were 26 patients (Males 17 and Females 9). More than 15% change in response to Salbutamol aerosol in FEV1/FVC% was seen only in six males (Group I) whereas 11 males and all females showed less than 15% response (Group II). Though significant increase in FEV1/FVC% was seen after Pranayama in patients in Group I and only males in Group II, the degree of change was not comparable to that of salbutamol aerosol.

Pleuroscopy was done in 40 hospitalized patients having pleural effusion of unknown etiology. While morbid appearance were non-specific, pleural biopsy taken through the pleuroscope was diagnostic in 30 out of 40 patients.

An unusual case of tracheobronchial rupture at carinal level which became manifestative after thoracotomy is reported. The improvisation for ventilation as per the need of the hour with successful anaesthetic management of the case is reported with review of literature.

This 52 year old woman with a long history of rheumatoid arthritis consults her physician for the treatment of recently developed dyspnea, cough with expectoration and wheezing. The patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics without any benefit. The patient has recently received gold injections for her rheumatoid arthritis. Is her respiratory illness related to the drug therapy? Find out, the game is a foot.