In this episode of the Respiratory Exchange podcast, Dr. Les Tolle and Dr. Kamonpun (Joy) Ussavarungsi dive deep into the complexities of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare and progressive cystic lung disease primarily affecting women of childbearing age. Dr. Ussavarungsi, Director of the Rare Lung Disease Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, shares invaluable insights into LAM’s pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment options, including the transformative impact of mTOR inhibitors like sirolimus. As the field advances, she highlights ongoing research and the promising future of LAM care. Whether you're a pulmonologist, a healthcare provider or simply curious about rare lung diseases, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of LAM and its management.

2025 CHEST Conference Highlights
In this episode, pulmonary and critical care leaders share the most exciting takeaways from the CHEST annual meeting—where innovation and practical insights meet bedside care. Our experts discuss sessions that cover real-world strategies for managing the morbidly obese ICU patient, from fine-tuning ventilation to navigating complex drug dosing. They cover presentations that give an inside look at cutting-edge sepsis research shaping new hemodynamic guidelines. They review the growing integration of AI across pulmonary and critical care research, including groundbreaking biomarker research that could redefine precision medicine in the ICU. Beyond the science, our hosts celebrate the vibrant mentorship and collaboration that make this annual CHEST conference a hub for advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine.

This podcast delivers a high-impact, practical discussion on managing critically ill pregnant patients—an area often outside the daily comfort zone of many pulmonary and critical care physicians. From recognizing subtle red flags like mild hypertension and tachypnea to navigating the complexities of airway management in the third trimester, this episode dives into scenarios you may face in emergent situations. The discussion covers the physiologic pitfalls of intubation, aspiration risks and the value of upright airway positioning, backed by simulation-based training insights. You'll also gain a grounded perspective on the judicious use of point-of-care ultrasound in obstetric emergencies and when to defer to specialists. This episode reinforces core principles and equips you with knowledge to recognize danger early and collaborate effectively under pressure.